This book examines the relationship between language proficiency and political participation from abroad among Italians living in Australia, with a particular focus on second- and third-generation communities. It investigates how confident these generations are in understanding Italian political debates and engaging with Italian politics while residing overseas. The book evaluates the effectiveness of Italy’s language policies in equipping Italians in Australia with the linguistic skills needed to follow political discussions, make informed choices, and participate meaningfully as voters from abroad. Moving beyond the Italian case, it also develops broader policy recommendations aimed at strengthening language proficiency and political participation within transnational communities. The analysis is grounded in a robust theoretical framework and a mixed-methods research design that combines original survey data with semi-structured, in-depth interviews. As an open and accessible resource, the book will benefit students, academics, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in migration, transnational politics, and diaspora language policy.
This research project was funded by Monash University and Com.It.Es.
Matteo Bonotti completed his PhD in Politics at the University of Edinburgh, UK. He is an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at Monash University, Australia, having previously taught at Cardiff University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Edinburgh. Matteo’s research interests include linguistic justice, migration, political parties, political finance, democratic theory, political liberalism, free speech, and food justice.
Chiara De Lazzari completed her PhD in Politics at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. She is an affiliated researcher at Monash University. She previously worked as a Lecturer and Research Fellow in the School of Social Sciences at Monash University, and at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Her research interests include migration studies, citizenship rights, political participation of diasporas, and political participation of migrant youth.
Narelle Miragliotta completed her PhD in Politics at the University of Western Australia. She is currently based in the Politics and International Relations section at Murdoch University, and previously at Monash University. Narelle's research interests include voting, elections, parties, and constitutional politics.
