Does learning a second language while you're young make it easier?

wavemetal
August 05
Status: 1 token - Active

Does learning a second language while you're young make it easier?

6 Answers:

Peachberry avatar

Research continually show that children are more receptive at learning a second language the younger they are. It is thought that their brains are better wired at this stage of their lives to language learning. This is because the concept of language is new to them and therefore their brains are more receptive to forming the necessary mental path ways to absorb and retain a second language.

If you want to try this route their are is a whole range of quality books to help introduce your child to a foreign language:   and there are many useful video on the subject.

But there is a counter argument that  ‘explicit learning,where you learn a language in a classroom with a teacher is better suited to adults, not children.

Cloudnine avatar

Yes. Children's brains are different and are able to learn and memorize information at a quicker speed than adults. The neurons and neural pathways work differently than they do after we age. Consider how young you learned your native language and how much you learned just during preschool through first grade, for example. It is easier for children to become bilingual at a young age – especially when kids are exposed to them more fully. 

https://tessais.org/children-learn-languages-faster-adults/

Peacemaker6 avatar

Not always. While their brains can make it easier to pick up a second language, if children are not immersed in it and do not keep up with the second language, they are likely to forget it quickly. They won't stay fluent. Despite the ease at which they first learned it. 

If adults are motivated, consistently use the language, and study productively in order to learn in various ways that suit them, they will be able to understand the language more quickly than they could when they were young. 

Here is a source about the differences between learning a language as a kid versus as an adult. I believe you'll find it interesting.

AnswersUp_90488703 avatar

There is evidence that learning a second language at a young age can make it easier. Children's brains are more receptive to learning languages than adult brains, and children are also more likely to be able to develop native-like pronunciation and accent in a second language. Studies have also shown that children who learn a second language have improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as better memory and attention to detail. Additionally, learning a second language at a young age can have long-term cognitive benefits, such as delaying the onset of age-related cognitive decline and increasing the ability to multitask. Overall, it seems that the benefits of learning a second language at a young age are numerous and can have a lasting impact.

Lifeisgood avatar

Yes, learning a second language while you're young can make it easier for a number of reasons.

First, young children have brains that are more receptive to learning new languages. The ability to acquire language is highest in the first few years of life, as the brain is still developing and can more easily adapt to new information. This means that children can learn new languages more easily and quickly than adults.

Second, young children are often more open and enthusiastic about learning new things, including new languages. They are not yet self-conscious about making mistakes and are more willing to take risks and try new things. This can make the language learning process more enjoyable and less stressful.

Third, young children are often exposed to new languages through social interactions with other children or family members who speak different languages. This early exposure to different languages can help children develop a natural proficiency in multiple languages, as they learn to use different languages in different social contexts.

Finally, learning a second language while you're young can provide many long-term benefits, including improved cognitive function, increased cultural awareness, and enhanced career opportunities. Learning a second language can also provide a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, as children learn to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Of course, it's never too late to learn a new language, and adults can certainly learn new languages with dedication and practice. However, the earlier a person begins to learn a second language, the more easily and quickly they are likely to acquire it.

Wagner777 avatar

Да, изучение второго языка в молодости может быть более легким, чем в более позднем возрасте. Во-первых, дети моложе возрастают с набором языковых знаний и опытом, что может упростить процесс обучения. Во-вторых, молодые ученики обычно более открыты и готовы к новым опытам, и это может помочь им лучше усваивать новый язык.

Научные исследования также подтверждают, что изучение второго языка в молодости может быть более эффективным. Например, в 2010 году журнал "Cognitive Psychology" опубликовал статью, в которой исследователи обнаружили, что дети, изучающие второй язык в возрасте от 5 до 7 лет, имеют большую гибкость мышления и более развитые когнитивные способности.

Кроме того, дети, изучающие второй язык в молодости, часто могут использовать новый язык на практике в повседневной жизни, что укрепляет их языковые навыки и дает им больше возможностей для практики.

Однако это не означает, что взрослые не могут изучать новый язык или делать это менее эффективно. Взрослые могут использовать свой жизненный и языковой опыт в своих учебных целях, а также улучшать свои знания языка через систематическое и постоянное обучение.

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