Abstract

This article addresses the effect of age in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), posing the relative question that whether the Critical Period hypothesis (CPH) exists in Second Language (SL), and if existing, how it is associated duly with SLA. The justification of comparing the achievement of L1 and L2 learners on the basis of Ultimate Attainment (UA) in the establishment of Critical Period Hypothesis, is also discussed. In the methodology, secondary data analysis was used to answer of research questions. To achieve a reliable result from the wide range of secondary data primarily from journal articles, a systemic search has been adopted. In conclusion, compare and contrast was made with earlier studies to show the findings of the study and to scope future research.

Highlights

  • Second language acquisition (SLA) increasingly generates pragmatic debates in the broader field of psycholinguistics

  • This article addresses the effect of age in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), posing the relative question that whether the Critical Period hypothesis (CPH) exists in Second Language (SL), and if existing, how it is associated duly with SLA

  • Age having an influence on SLA is an undeniable fact, and studies regarding age-related issues in SLA is broadly divided into two types: the existence and characteristics of maturational constraints and identifying Age of Acquisition (AoA), and differences in second or foreign language learning (Muñoz, 2008, p. 578)

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Summary

Introduction

Second language acquisition (SLA) increasingly generates pragmatic debates in the broader field of psycholinguistics. Age having an influence on SLA is an undeniable fact, and studies regarding age-related issues in SLA is broadly divided into two types: the existence and characteristics of maturational constraints and identifying Age of Acquisition (AoA), and differences in second or foreign language learning The effect of age in SLA is encircled by the notion of Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH); a comparison to Ultimate Attainment (UA) is relevant regarding CPH since UA is often considered to be the determining factor to identify successful SLA learners. The discussion of Ultimate Attainment or proficiency like a native speaker is closely related with CPH, as the prior claim behind this is that exposure to a second language from a very early age often can result in proficiency like a native speaker. Before reaching any conclusion in this regard, it would be wise to review exiting empirical studies to find more in-depth information of the phenomenon

Aim of the Study
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Critical Period Hypothesis and SLA
UA is the Point of Comparison
Contextual and Intrapersonal Contribution
CPH: Inconclusive Research
Implication of the Findings
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