Insegnare l'italiano

This article explores didactic aspects of teaching the Italian language to American students, taking into consideration the three key elements involved in the process: the language, the student and the teacher. The article analyzes the different academic and linguistic reality students encounter when they come to study in Italy: different textbooks with a different balance between mother tongue and second language, a new approach to grammar teaching and language acquisition and a real linguistic life outside the classroom setting that heightens students’ commitment to learning the language. Finally the article assesses the teacher’s actions and his or her role in supporting students’ progress through the effective use of didactic materials and teaching techniques.