Language Acquisition: The Age Factor

Abstract

Part 1 Evidence of speech milestones: the early stages later stages speech processing milestones evidence from abnormal language development and language disorders. Part 2 The critical period hypothesis - first language-related evidence: the onset of the critical period the end of the critical period first language development after puberty a decline into the vale of years? Part 3 The critical period hypothesis - second language evidence: the younger=better position the older=better position the younger=better at acquiring accent BICS position the younger=better in the long run position age and the second language learning process. Part 4 Theoretical perspectives: the ageing of the senses age and competition between languages neurolinguistics and the critical period cognitive developmental views affect and motivation age and input the de-coupling hypothesis the age factor and nativism. Part 5 The educational dimension: second languages in the early school years second languages for the young-old.