Addizionario: a Pupil’s Innovative Tool for Language Learning

This paper describes "Addizionario", a hypermedia linguistic laboratory for children aimed at the study of Italian either as native or as foreign language. Two strictly interrelated tools are available within the laboratory, (i) a computer Core Dictionary for children- written and illustrated by children – whose name “Addizionario ” has been extended to include the whole system, and (ii) an Activity Book, a multimedia creative environment which allows the children to construct their own personalised dictionary. This product is addressed to pupils of the primary schools, who can study language in a pleasant and appealing manner; teachers, who can prepare didactic units specifically designed to satisfy the needs of their students; and lexicographers, who can exploit the material produced by the children to create bette