Introduction. Food and words. Migration and gastronomic encounters from the perspective of language and culture

Abstract

The paronomasia in the title of this issue of «Scritture migrant» highlights the two-way dynamic between words and food, which occurs in a constant and mutual dialogue. Gastronomy, as a universal language, reflects migrations and cultural exchanges, shaping the culinary and socio-cultural identity of a people. Food goes beyond simply satisfying nutritional needs; it embodies values and traditions, while at the same time mirroring territories and their history. The idea behind this issue is the broad acceptance of the notion of «gastronomic migration», encompassing not only the geographical movement of populations, but also the symbolic and social exchanges between the languages and cultures of origin and those of destination. Starting from the premise that gastronomic culture is for the most part the result of migration, the aim is to explore the interactions between Italian, French and Francophone cultures through the prism of language sciences. The articles presented highlight the close relationship between these languages and cultures, while looking at the migration of food and words as an opportunity for encounters and mutual understanding between peoples.