The term “Lessico” in Italian refers to “vocabulary” or “word choice,” signifying the set of words and expressions in a given language or context. In literary works, vocabulary selection is crucial in revealing deeper meanings and the author’s intentions. Analyzing the “Lessico” in classical literature like Dante’s Divine Comedy serves as an effective means to not only learn vocabulary but also understand the origins of the Italian language and its historical context.
Dante wrote the Divine Comedy in Tuscan, not Latin. At the time, Italy lacked a standardized language, and various regional languages were spoken. However, Tuscan was considered the closest to Latin and later became the foundation of the common language, especially after being used by writers like Petrarch and Boccaccio. In theological works like the Divine Comedy, understanding vocabulary requires in-depth knowledge and careful consideration.
For Japanese speakers learning Italian, the Divine Comedy is an invaluable text. It provides insights into the culture and history behind the language. Despite this, little research exists on using the Divine Comedy for teaching Italian. This paper focuses on vocabulary (“Lessico”) and examines texts used in Italian literary education to propose exercises for intermediate learners.

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