About half of the world’s population speaks at least two languages, but an emphasis on learning multiple languages isn’t as prevalent in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 20% of Americans speak a second language. Differences in education systems likely account for a good bit of the difference in language-learning rates. In European countries, most students begin studying a foreign language in school between the ages of 6 and 9, and a median of 92% of K-12 European students study a foreign language, according to the European Commission. In contrast, only 20% of American grade-school students study a foreign language.
But school requirements aren’t the only thing that impacts language learning. Other factors including the age of the student and the type of the language significantly impact a person’s ability to learn a new language. Why does it seem so much easier for children to learn a new language than it does for an adult?
Research supports the idea that there is a critical age period for maximum proficiency in learning a new language — the younger, the better. According to a study by MIT, that age cutoff is 10. A language student who begins learning before the age of 10 has a good chance of becoming as proficient as a native speaker would be, but after age 10, it is nearly impossible to become that proficient. This language learning could take place through formal classes in school, or it might be through immersion, such as in a bilingual family environment or if a child immigrates to a new country and learns a second language.
The chance of proficiency declines after age 10, but those between the ages of 10 and 18 still have a higher retention rate than older learners, especially when it comes to learning new grammar. Researchers aren’t sure why retention rates drop so dramatically after age 18, but it could be due to cultural and social changes at this age (such as moving out of the family home) or biological reasons (changes in brain plasticity).
It’s still possible to learn a new language at any age, but it seems that children do have an advantage.
Of course, if you didn’t start learning a new language as a young child, that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to acquire some level of new language proficiency — it just means you’re unlikely to be mistaken as a native speaker. Also, there are advantages to learning as an adult, just as there are benefits to a childlike style of learning. (Fun word fact: “Andragogy” is the method and practice of teaching adult learners.)
Brain chemistry: Children are built to absorb new information, even unconsciously.
Learning style: Children are implicit learners and better at listening and imitation. Their brains are designed to do this at that age.
Material and context: Children are used to being taught small bits of simple information, including colors, numbers, songs, and shapes. Adults tend to be taught more complex language concepts.
Confidence: Children aren’t afraid to mess up a word or fumble through a sentence, whereas adult learners are less likely to practice new skills out loud. Practicing out loud is one of the most effective ways to master a new language.
Learning style: Adults are explicit learners who are better at intentionally learning a new language through lessons. They also have longer attention spans and more literacy skills. When tested in formal language labs, adults performed better than children.
Dedication: Children might not have the same motivation or level of commitment as adults do when learning a second language.
Overall, there are advantages for learning a second language at any age. Children might have an easier time becoming proficient, but adults can still have great success in learning a second (or third, or fourth) language.
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