By having the students familiarise themselves with the basic principles of sociolinguistics, the course will give them the opportunity to understand the differences of language use in the various contexts given by regional areas, social classes, levels of formality, means and ways of communication. This module will focus on today's uses of the Italian language(s), as heard on the television or read in newspapers, magazines and the internet. As an essential part of the module, which is strongly oriented to practice and usage, the students will conduct presonal researches on contemporary materials, and report to seminars.