An In-depth Discussion on Age Effects in Second Language Learning

Abstract

People believe learning a new language is better to start from a very early age in many countries. This belief is also why many countries lower the age of starting a second language programme in school. The theoretical basis for this belief is the critical period hypothesis and learning mechanism. However, some research shows older learners can learn faster and better than early learners. This research studied if starting young in a second language is better than later. By reviewing amounts of literature, this research discussed this question from four situations: the inside and outside of the classroom in the non-target language countries; the inside and outside of the classroom in the target language countries. Besides the situation of the learners, the learning time and the expectation for early starters and older starters are also different and these two factors also should be considered when thinking about the outcome of learning a second language for early and old learners. The conclusion is that if there is a condition that could provide amounts of target language input for early learners, children are better to start early. Otherwise, it is not important if children start to learn a second language early.