si consiglia la consultazione dell’ottima relazione di Laura Bravar “Insegnamento della lingua straniera a studenti con Dyslexia: theoretical consideration and practical aspects.” (LINK)

How we learn the languages? 1) Through imitation :

Mirror neurons are activated not only when a subject does an action, But even when he sees another person performing an action. (Rizzolati, PhD et al) Learning a (a language also) takes place Thanks to a reproduction Interior which is based on the mechanisms of imitation. 2) Through associative capabilities:

The ’ language acquisition is an activity that is associative for excellence, being favored by: – positive emotions (i.e.. mother tongue); – multi-sensory stimuli; – creative activities, interesting and significant; – rhythms, music, dances, nursery rhymes, jingles etc.. easy storing. 3) Through the implicit memory:

Implicit memory (incidental/not-declarative): – È probabilmente il tipo di memoria più important and ancient in humans; – Seems to be the earliest form of memory at appear in the child (already present in the fetus and in newborn) and the last to disappear in the old;

Features of implicit memory:

1. The implicit knowledge acquisition ’ takes place unconsciously, without investing attention;
2. The knowledge stored is not accessible to verbal introspection ;
3. The knowledge stored is used in full auto mode;
4. Implicit knowledge improve with experience and practice.

Implicit memory and acquisition of first language:

Implicit memory l ’ the acquisition first language occur early, without effort and regardless of our awareness. Through the implicit memory we learn the Phonological aspects and morpho-syntactic aspects of our language. 4) Through memory explicit declarative/:

Explicit memory: – It starts functioning later (after the age of 3 years) because it involves areas of the brain that mature later; – Includes the episodic memory comprising the experiences of our lives, which we can retrieve voluntarily and tell; – Includes semantic memory that relates to the meaning of words and knowledge encyclopedic on the world. Characteristics of explicit memory: 1. Explicit memory works through 3 stages (fixing, storage and recovery) that involve different brain structures. L ’ t learning via the memory requires willingness and caution. 2. The information can be retrieved consciously and described verbally. Explicit memory stores episodic and semantic information. The explicit memory is essential for aware (non-automatic use) of language.

In conclusion: You can learn a language using different memory systems

Here are the reasons of Italian failure ’ in foreign language learning:

1. Unsuitable methods
2. It starts too late
3. Non-native speaker teachers, with lack of specific preparation
4. Devotes little time to the languages abroad

Excerpted from: “Neuro language pedagogy: How to teach the languages for children” pub.. Astrolabio, 2004. Author: Prof. Franco Fabbro, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Formation, University of Udine.