Italy quietly modified its national anthem by removing one word, effective January 1, 2026. The change, confirmed by the Italian Ministry of Culture, involves the deletion of the word "il" from the third verse, altering the line from "Stringiamci a coorte, siam pronti alla morte. Stringiamci, il popolo chiama!" to "Stringiamci a coorte, siam pronti alla morte. Stringiamci, popolo chiama!"
The ministry stated the alteration was made to improve grammatical accuracy and reflect a more inclusive interpretation of the anthem. According to a released statement, "The removal of 'il' clarifies that it is the people, as a collective, who are calling, rather than a singular, potentially ambiguous entity."
The anthem, "Il Canto degli Italiani" (The Song of the Italians), also known as "Fratelli d'Italia" (Brothers of Italy), was written in 1847 by Goffredo Mameli, with music by Michele Novaro. It became the official national anthem in 1946. The anthem played a significant role in the Italian unification movement and continues to be a symbol of national identity.
Linguists have offered varying perspectives on the change. Professor Isabella Rossi, a specialist in Italian linguistics at the University of Rome, noted that "While seemingly minor, this adjustment reflects a broader trend in language evolution, where clarity and inclusivity are increasingly prioritized. The original phrasing, while grammatically acceptable, could be interpreted as suggesting a specific faction or leader was issuing the call, which is not the intended message."
The alteration sparked debate among citizens and political figures. Some view it as a necessary correction, while others consider it an unnecessary tampering with a cherished national symbol. Critics argue that the change diminishes the historical and artistic value of the anthem.
The Ministry of Culture has initiated a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the change and its rationale. All official recordings and printed versions of the anthem will be updated to reflect the modification. The long-term impact of this subtle but significant change on Italian national identity remains to be seen.
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