Is Age a Crucial Factor When Learning a Second Language?

Abstract

It has been widely accepted that the only best time to learn a second language is early childhood, the so-called “critical period” that lasts until the child is 10 years old. Many scientists explained it as after puberty the human brain becomes less functioning when it comes to learning new languages.

The experiment was carried out on a feral child, Genie, a girl who had been isolated in a small room without access to normal human development for as many as 14 years. When she was found, she couldn’t not only speak but also cry or produce any sound. She was not able to use her speech organs. After many years of hard work by Genie and linguists, she managed to achieve great results for her case. Although she did not reach the normal level of English proficiency, she could then understand what was told to her and knew how to express her thoughts. This case has destroyed the myth that children are not able to learn a language successfully after a critical period. They, in fact, can, but with some differences in learning.

Various factors, besides age, can influence the language learning process. These factors include self-regulation, psychological and social factors, language immersion, individual’s natural ability, and even geographical location.

Young and adult learners differ in their language acquisition ways: children often learn intuitively and unconsciously through playing and interaction, while adults tend to rely on memorization and visualization strategies. Despite children's generally more productive and efficient learning outcomes, adults can learn languages faster due to their focus and commitment, though children typically excel in areas like accent and pronunciation.