Elda Morlicchio

Elda Morlicchio is a full Professor of German Linguistics and Language History at the University of Naples L'Orientale, where she served as Rector from November 2014 to October 2020 and as Pro-Rector for Teaching from July 2008 to November 2014. Her distinguished academic career spans over four decades, beginning as a Researcher in Germanic Philology at the University of Naples Federico II in 1983, progressing to Associate Professor in 1992, and achieving full Professor status in 2000. She has held significant leadership positions including President of the University Teaching Pole (2012-2014) and member of numerous doctoral committees at prestigious institutions including the University of Siena and the Italian Institute of Human Sciences in Florence.

Professor Morlicchio's research focuses on language contact phenomena between Italian and Germanic languages from the Middle Ages to the present, with particular emphasis on lexical interference. Her work encompasses historical linguistics in second language teaching (especially German), linguistic contact in Germanic areas, multilingualism, interculturality, and foreign language education. She also investigates Old High German lexicon and glossaries, Germanic onomastics in Italy (particularly Lombard anthroponymy), and the syntax of Middle High German and Early New High German. Her research bridges historical linguistic analysis with contemporary language teaching methodologies.

Her extensive publication record reflects her expertise in Germanic-Italian linguistic relations, with recent works examining Romance-Germanic contact, etymological research, and historical linguistics. She has made significant contributions to the LEI (Lessico Etimologico Italiano) project as head of the Germanisms Section since 1995, and currently leads the 'LeGeRe - LEI Germanismi Reloaded' PRIN project (2022-2024). Her scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on how Germanic elements have influenced Italian and other Romance languages across historical periods.

Among her numerous honors are the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2017), Knight of the National Order of Merit of the French Republic (2020), and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2021). She has also received the international 'Guido Dorso' Prize (2021) and the NapoliCittàLibro Prize (2018). Professor Morlicchio is a member of prestigious academies including the Pontanian Academy of Naples and the National Society of Sciences, Letters and Arts in Naples.

She has supervised numerous doctoral students and research fellows, including MICCOLI PAOLO, DI MATTEO Giorgia Cinzia, RESMINI CRISTINA, and Tessitore Luigia. Her research leadership extends to significant national and international grants, particularly in the fields of lexicography and language contact. She serves on multiple scientific committees including the Editorial Board of 'Rivista del Dizionario Etimologico e Storico del Napoletano' and as Director of the 'Annali dell'Università di Napoli L'Orientale' - Germanic Section since 2018.

Professor Morlicchio maintains active international collaborations, having delivered lectures at universities across Germany, France, the United States, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, China, Austria, and England. She serves in various ministerial capacities including as national representative in the Horizon Europe Program Committee configuration 'Culture, creativity and Inclusive society' (2021-2027) and as member of the Commission for ASN 2021-2023 for competitive sector 10/M1.