"learning difficulties"

Question

I am translating a document available to the general public which refers to "learning difficulties" and am having some difficulty choosing which way to translate this.

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In the UK "learning difficulties" can refer to a whole range of developmental delays and mental disabilities, from mild dyslexia right through to Down's Syndrome. This makes it a bit tricky to translate!

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When I lived in South America we used:

“retraso mental” “retardo mental” “retardo leve”

But use of "retardo" feels very un-PC to me as we would never now use the word "retarded" in the UK, especially in a formal document, and so is makes me feel uncomfortable using it.

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But, on the other hand, perhaps “dificultades de aprendizaje” implies more mild difficulties such as dyslexia, rather than the full range of disabilities which "learning difficulties" encompasses in English.

I am currently using "discapacidades mentales" with a footnote of explanation and I would very much welcome any comments or suggestions.

Gracias!

Answer 1

For more serious disabilities, I would use "minusvalías intelectuales", which means people who are mentally handicapped. I wouldn't use that term for dyslexia, ADD, HDD, higher functioning ASD, etc. though. I don't know if there is a term that encompasses all levels of impairment, from those who need a little extra attention to those who require institutionalized care.

Thank you :) - amy_moreno, Nov 29, 2010

Answer 2

I would say "learning disabilities" in English and "problemas de aprendizaje" in Spanish.

Gracias :) - amy_moreno, Nov 29, 2010

Answer 3

Since there isn't one phrase that describes the whole range of issues you're thinking of, I would include both problemas de aprendizaje y minusvalías intelectuales.

Answer 4

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer, lorenzo and Leatha.

I think I will go with both suggestions to cover all bases: “dificultades de aprendizaje y/o minusvalías intelectuales”.

Much appreciated

Answer 5

Thanks Lorenzo9. Although I worry that "problemas de aprendizaje" doesn't encompass more severe disabilities (which "learning difficulties" does in the UK). What do you think? I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts!