Paper short abstract:

The paper will analyse the relationship between self-representation and intercultural communication. The fieldwork conducted with Italian and second-generation migrant teenagers will be used in order to analyse how visual language can influence the definition of cultural diversity.

Paper long abstract:

Contemporary society is often described as characterized by a new centrality of images and visual languages. At the same time, the issue of intercultural dialogue and multiculturalism is also used for describing European societies. Societies are consequently seen as mediated by images on one hand, and in need of cultural mediation, on the other hand. My paper will take his steps from this consideration in order to explore how visual languages can support intercultural communication, especially in Italy (where the debate about multiculturalism is still at his early stages).

The relationship between emic and ethic representation of otherness will be explored and two fieldworks will be of support in deconstructing what is still often seen as an opposition, a dichotomy. The field researches conducted with Italian and second-generation migrant teenagers will be used for analysing how the subject of visual representation can be empowered by the usage of self-representation methodology.

Three short videos will be shown and analysed in order to explore the possibilities offered by self-representation in producing a definition of identity able to promote an effective intercultural communication. The relationship between the researcher and the teenagers will be also analysed through the video produced by the teenagers.