Federico Faloppa

Federico Faloppa is a Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies at the University of Reading, where he serves as REF Impact Lead for Modern Languages and Linguistics and Academic Co-coordinator of the University of Sanctuary initiative. He is on research leave during Semester 1 of 2024–2025, reflecting his active engagement in high-impact scholarly projects.

• Laurea (BA) in Letters and Philosophy, University of Turin (1997)
• PhD in Italian, University of London (2008)

His research focuses on sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, migration, hate speech, and language policy, particularly the linguistic construction of otherness, intercultural communication, and migrant writings. He has authored six monographs, including Razzisti a parole, Sbiancare un etiope, and #Odio, which have received extensive media attention and are used in Italian universities. He is currently writing two new monographs on ecolinguistics and language and power, to be published by Einaudi and Bollati Boringhieri.

His recent publications show a consistent trend in analyzing multilingual education, hate speech, borderscapes, and intercultural dynamics. He investigates how language shapes prejudice, migration narratives, and social inclusion, often in collaboration with international bodies like the Council of Europe and Horizon 2020 networks. His work bridges academic research with public policy and civil society engagement.

His scientific contributions are recognized through leadership roles:

• Coordinator of the Italian National Network Against Hate Speech (retecontrolodio.org)
• Consultant to the Council of Europe
• Member of the board of directors of the global NGO Cospe
• Former member of the scientific board of Amnesty Italy (2018–2022)
• Appointed member of the Knowledge Committee for the European Commission’s Citizens’ Panel on Hatred in Society

Faloppa supervises PhD students in Italian linguistics, migration, and discourse analysis, including Marina Kracht, Azizah Al Thenyan, and Surya Devkota. He has served as an external examiner at several UK universities. His research is funded by UKRI-GCRF, Erasmus+, Horizon 2020, and the Council of Europe, demonstrating strong international collaboration and impact. He has also been a visiting professor at the Universities of Turin, Catania, Palermo, and Università Cattolica di Milano.

He leads and contributes to interdisciplinary research teams focused on hate speech, multilingualism, and migration, often working with institutions across Europe. His work is deeply embedded in both academic and activist networks, aiming to decolonize language and combat discrimination through research, policy, and public engagement.