Patricia MARTIGNON

Curriculum Vitae – Patricia Martignon

Biographical CV

Patricia Martignon

Nationality: French | Born in Paris | Resident in Catania (CT), Italy

Email: patriciamartignon@gmail.com

Profile

I was born and raised in Paris, where I completed my entire education up to the award of the Maîtrise (Master's degree) at the Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3. My passion for Italian language and culture, nurtured during my university years through the study of Boccaccio, Dante, and Petrarch, led me to move to Sicily in 1989 after winning a competitive selection for a language instructor position at the University of Catania.

Since then, for over thirty-seven years, I have dedicated my professional activity to teaching French language and civilisation, guiding generations of students through their academic journey. My university experience has been enriched by a second degree in Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures, obtained in Catania with top honours, as well as work as an interpreter, translator, and author.

Education

Maîtrise (Four-year degree, former system) Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3, Academic Year 1990–1991 Specialisation in Italian Literature (Boccaccio, Dante, Petrarch) Thesis: "Les lettres d'Amerigo Vespucci" – Supervisor: Prof. M. Plaisance

Degree in Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures University of Catania, Academic Year 1999–2000 Final grade: 110/110 with honours Thesis: "Le conte de fées: sa valeur littéraire et sa fonction dans l'évolution psychologique de l'enfant" – Supervisor: Prof. G. Aleo

Continuing Education LEND refresher courses and Alma Day workshops

Professional Experience

Permanent Language Instructor (Lettrice) University of Catania – Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (formerly Department of Humanities) 1989 – present

Over nearly four decades of service, I have delivered language classes focusing on French civilisation, grammar, syntax, and phonetics, alongside tutorials, conversation practice, and language laboratory sessions. I have supported students both as a teacher and as an active collaborator in the design and assessment of written examinations (written and oral tests, language proficiency assessments, first- and second-year examination boards).

I have worked closely with faculty members to define syllabi, select teaching materials, and establish assessment criteria, as well as to prepare examination papers. I have also authored a handbook for students enrolled in the 3-credit courses, designed to support the development of the specific skills required.

I have participated in departmental initiatives, student orientation activities, and educational projects aimed at promoting French language and culture.

Other Professional Activities

• Interpreter and translator (occasional work over approximately twenty years): conferences, radio broadcasts (RTL, Radio Catania), tourist guides (Maimone), brochures, and informational materials.
• Publication: contribution to the proceedings of the conference Miti e Linguaggi della seduzione, Catania 1996, published by C.U.E.C.M.
• Latest translation (2022): "Les Mythes en Sicile" by Riccardo Francaviglia, Edizioni Splen, vol. 1 and vol. 2.

Skills

• University-level language teaching: delivery of theoretical and practical classes; design of tutorials and laboratory activities.
• Design and preparation of examination papers and teaching materials.
• Assessment of language proficiency (tests, proficiency certifications, examinations).
• Interpreting and translation in cultural and informational contexts.

Languages

Personal Information

Relocated to Catania in 1989 for personal reasons; in the same year, joined the University of Catania following a public competitive selection.