Abstrait

Early imitation and language learning.

Frolli A*, Ricci MC, Cerciello F, Ciotola S, Esposito C, Bertin B, Russo MG

Imitation plays an important role not only in human development, but in learning as well. It is defined as a fundamental precursor for the development of communicative-linguistic skills. Moreover, in the development of learning, in foreign language learning, the contribution of neuroscience and more specifically the role and functioning of the mirror system (mirror neurons) plays a central role. In this study, we wanted to investigate whether there were correlations between early imitation and learning a foreign language in a sample of 42 children aged 36 months, making an assessment at the age of 2 years and then at the age of 3 years. Our results showed a positive correlation between early imitation skills at the age of 2 years and the development of language learning, both Italian and English language, which occurred after the age of 3 years.