Issue 277 - Age and language learning

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Basic

Vocabulary: Ages

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Age and language learning

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Age and language learning

There are different factors that affect language learning, for example, motivation, learning experience and preferences. Another factor is age.

Young children (up to about 5 years old) are good at language learning. At this stage, their brains develop to make language learning easy.

As children begin their education, language learning is still easy. They start formal instruction and learn to read and write. Also, children in this age group have the opportunity to interact with others. This helps with their language development.

During adolescence, language learning can be more difficult. Teenagers are good at analyzing grammar, but their brains are growing and changing. This makes language learning more of an effort. However, with motivation, exposure, and instruction, they can learn a language very well.

Adults can still learn new languages successfully, but it is often harder for them. Changes in the brain can make it more difficult to acquire native-like pronunciation and intonation. Adults also compare the new language with their first language. This can interfere with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. However, adult learners are good at solving problems and understand how languages work.

Age factors in language learning are not the only things that determine success or failure. Motivation, learning strategies, exposure, and cultural immersion are important factors at any age. Young and old learners can benefit from the help of guided practice, and comprehensive and engaging learning materials.

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Intermediate

 

Age and language learning

Listen to the podcast and read. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Age and language learning

In previous issues of Interactive English, we have looked at factors that affect language learning, such as motivation, learning experience and preferences and aptitude. Another factor is age. Age plays a significant role in language learning. It influences how quickly and easily people learn new languages.

It appears that young children (up to about 5 years old) are good at language learning. At this age, their brains are very receptive to language and they can process different languages at the same time. Through natural exposure children mimic sounds, and internalize grammar rules. Their brains develop connections specifically to help language learning, resulting in native-like pronunciation and intonation.

As children begin their education, language learning continues smoothly. They possess cognitive flexibility and a natural ability to imitate sounds. Formal instruction and exposure to written language support their development of writing and reading skills. Also, children in this age group have the opportunity to interact with peers, which helps social and communicative language development.

During adolescence, language learning becomes slightly more challenging. Although teenagers have the skills for analyzing grammatical structures, their brains experience changes that make language learning more of an effort than in early childhood. Learning pronunciation language rules can be more difficult. However, with motivation, exposure, and proper instruction, they can achieve high levels of proficiency.

While adults can still learn new languages successfully, they often face greater obstacles compared to younger learners. Changes in the brain can make it more difficult to acquire native-like pronunciation and intonation. Adults may also rely on their first language. This can lead to interference or difficulty with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. However, adult learners possess other valuable abilities, like problem-solving and a knowledge of how languages work. This can help them to understand complex language concepts.

Age factors in language learning are not the only determinants of success or failure. Motivation, learning strategies, exposure, and cultural immersion are important factors at any age. While younger learners tend to achieve more native-like proficiency, adults can still become highly proficient language learners through targeted and consistent practice, and with the help of comprehensive and engaging learning materials.

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Advanced

 

Age and language learning

Listen to the podcast and read. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Age and language learning

In previous issues of Interactive English, we have looked at factors that affect language learning, such as motivation, learning experience and preferences, time and dedication, and personal aptitude. Another factor is age. Age plays a significant role in language learning, influencing the rate and ease with which individuals acquire new languages. Let's explore how age impacts language acquisition in different stages of life.

It is generally agreed that young children (up to about 5 years old) possess a remarkable aptitude for language learning. During this critical period, their brains are highly receptive to linguistic input, allowing them to effortlessly absorb multiple languages simultaneously. Immersed in their environment, children acquire languages through natural exposure, mimicking sounds, and internalizing grammar rules. Their brains develop neural pathways specifically dedicated to language acquisition, resulting in native-like pronunciation and intonation.

As children enter formal education, language learning continues to be relatively smooth. They possess cognitive flexibility and a natural ability to imitate sounds accurately. Formal instruction and exposure to written language support their development of literacy skills. Additionally, children in this age range benefit from the opportunity to interact with peers, fostering social and communicative language development.

During adolescence, language learning becomes slightly more challenging. Although teenagers have developed cognitive skills necessary for analyzing complex grammatical structures, their brains undergo changes that make language acquisition less effortless than in early childhood. They may struggle with pronunciation and may require explicit instruction to grasp intricate language rules. However, with motivation, exposure, and proper instruction, they can achieve high levels of proficiency.

While adults can still learn new languages successfully, they often face greater obstacles compared to younger learners. The brain's neural plasticity decreases with age, making it more difficult to acquire native-like pronunciation and intonation. Adults may also rely on their first language, leading to interference or difficulty with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. However, adult learners possess valuable cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and metalinguistic awareness, which can facilitate comprehension and the ability to grasp complex language concepts.

It's worth noting that age-related factors in language learning are not absolute determinants of success or failure. Motivation, learning strategies, exposure, and cultural immersion also significantly impact language acquisition at any age. While younger learners tend to achieve more native-like proficiency, adults can still become highly proficient language learners through targeted and consistent practice, and with the help of comprehensive and engaging learning materials.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Check your understanding

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Interview: listen to more about the topic

Think about your answers to the following questions. Then listen to somebody answering the same questions. Were your answers similar?

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