Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Events at the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego 2026

 



Translation in the Age of A.I.: A Timely Conversation at San Diego’s Italian Cultural Center
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In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, one question quietly lingers beneath the surface of our daily lives: what happens to human language—and the art of translation—when machines begin to speak for us?

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego (ICC) invites the community to explore this question through a compelling and timely event:

Translation Practices at the Time of A.I.

Held both in person at 2870 5th Avenue in San Diego and live on Zoom, this hybrid gathering marks an exciting new chapter for the ICC—bringing together audiences from across continents for a shared cultural and intellectual experience.


A Global Conversation, Rooted in Italian Culture

This dynamic panel features three distinguished translators working between Italian and English, each offering a unique perspective on the evolving role of language in the digital age:

  • Silvia Pareschi – One of Italy’s most respected literary translators, known for bringing the works of authors like Don DeLillo, Cormac McCarthy, Zadie Smith, and Junot Díaz to Italian audiences. Joining live from Italy, she represents the enduring craft of literary translation at its highest level.
  • Elena Di Giovanni – Professor at the Università di Macerata, specializing in audiovisual translation. Her work focuses on accessibility—ensuring that film, media, and culture remain open and inclusive to all.
  • Clarissa Clò – Director of Italian Studies at San Diego State University, who will share insights into collaborative translation projects, including recent work translating contemporary Italian voices like Amir Issaa alongside students and colleagues.

Together, these experts will explore critical questions:

  • Is human translation becoming obsolete in the age of AI?
  • Or is it more essential than ever?
  • Can human creativity and machine efficiency coexist?

More Than a Lecture — A Cultural Experience

The panel will be conducted in English, followed by a lively discussion in both English and Italian, reflecting the bilingual and bicultural spirit at the heart of the ICC.

For those attending in person, the morning offers more than just intellectual nourishment—caffè, fresh fruit, and pastries will be served, creating a welcoming, distinctly Italian atmosphere.

And for the first time, the ICC is offering a hybrid format, allowing participants from Italy, San Diego, and beyond to connect in real time—an especially fitting format for a discussion about global communication.

Register here.

A Milestone Year for the ICC


A Milestone Year for the ICC

This upcoming event arrives on the heels of a major milestone for the community: the Rinascimento Gala, celebrating 45 years of the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego. The evening was a true success—an inspiring testament to the generosity, pride, and enduring spirit of San Diego’s Italian and Italian-American community.

For those who were unable to attend, the mission continues. The ICC now looks ahead to the next 45 years with renewed energy—expanding its programs, events, and cultural outreach across the region and beyond.

Couldn’t make it? You can still be part of the story.
Support the Italian Cultural Center and help shape the future of Italian language, culture, and community in San Diego.

👉 Donate today and help bring the next 45 years to life.



Looking Ahead: Italy Immersion Trip 2026

Beyond lectures and events, the ICC continues to bring Italian culture to life through immersive experiences abroad.

In partnership with Vero Viaggio, the Center is offering an Italy Immersion Trip to Tuscany:

📍 Montepulciano, Italy
📅 October 25 – November 1, 2026

This small-group program invites participants to move beyond the classroom and into real-life Italian conversation—guided by native speakers and anchored by lessons at the Il Sasso language school.

It’s a rare opportunity to experience Italy not as a tourist, but as a participant in its living culture.

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More Info & Reserve Your Space


Why This Event Matters

For readers of The Italian Californian, this event touches on something deeper than technology—it speaks to identity, culture, and preservation.

Italian language and literature have always been vessels of history, emotion, and nuance. While AI may translate words, it is human translators who carry meaning, tone, and cultural memory across borders.

Events like this remind us that:

  • Language is not just communication—it is connection.
  • Translation is not just technical—it is artistic.
  • And culture, at its core, remains profoundly human.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM PST / 7:00 PM Italy
📍 Location: 2870 5th Ave, San Diego, CA + Zoom
Perks (In Person): Coffee, fruit, pastries
🌐 More Info & Registration: www.icc-sd.org


Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a student of Italian culture, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping our world, this event offers a rare opportunity to engage with leading voices in translation today.

In an age where machines are learning to speak, the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego invites us to reflect on what it truly means to understand.

Grazie a chi c’era, a chi ha donato, e a chi ci sarà.





Become an ICC Member

All ticketed events are remarkably more convenient if you are an ICC member. As a member, you are a guest at our Natale Party, and can get discounts with our partners, which include Monzù Fresh Pasta, GelatoLove, SDIFF, SD Opera, Cultural Italy, and more.

We appreciate you supporting our mission to offer the richest Italian experience throughout San Diego and beyond.

Become a Member Here

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