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How does age affect language acquisition?

Tim Tezure

As an expert in language acquisition, I can tell you that age is one of the most crucial factors in determining how easily someone can learn a new language. This is a topic that has been debated for years, with some people suggesting that younger individuals have a significant advantage when it comes to language acquisition, while others argue that adults can also learn new languages with ease.

One thing we know for sure is that there are certain critical periods in a person's life when they are more susceptible to learning a new language. For example, children between the ages of 0-7 years are known to have a heightened ability to absorb and learn new languages quickly. This is because their brains are still developing, and their neural pathways are at their most receptive. During this stage, a child's brain is still molding itself and not yet rigid, allowing it to acquire new languages effortlessly.

However, as we get older, our brains become more set in their ways, and we lose the flexibility we had as children. This rigidity can make language acquisition more challenging, but that does not mean that adults cannot learn a new language. It is only that learning requires more effort and practice than it does for children.

Another factor that influences language acquisition in adults is motivation. While it may be easy for a child to pick up a new language since they are immersed in it from a young age, adults may have to work harder to learn the same language. It requires more willpower and determination, which may be why some adults find it challenging to learn new languages.

In conclusion, age does play a significant role in language acquisition, but it is not the only factor. Even though children may have the advantage of mental flexibility, adults can still learn new languages with practice and determination. The key is to be motivated to learn and to keep practicing regularly. Whether you are a young child or an older adult, learning a new language requires a commitment to the process, but it is a skill worth mastering.