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It’s common to hear adults lament that they didn’t start learning a second language earlier since it’s much easier when you’re younger, but this is somewhat of a misconception.

Children and adults learn languages differently, and yes, children have the edge when it comes to achieving native-like mastery. That’s partly because children use the “deep motor area” of their brains to learn new languages—this is the same part of the brain that controls actions that come second nature to us, like tying a shoe. As you age, the window for learning in the deep motor area narrows, so adults learn languages with other parts of the brain—and thus, they’re often less natural speakers of their second language.

But it’s important to keep in mind the different situations in which adults and children learn languages. Most children who pick up a second language are exposed to it constantly and pick it up the same way they pick up their native language, even learning them simultaneously. Adults, however, may take on a second language in college or later, while having additional responsibilities, expectations, and stressors. Unlike adults, children are allowed to make mistakes and learn at a much slower pace without having to worry about failing in an academic, social, or professional sense.

Furthermore, according to a paper published in the journal Cognition, “studies that compare children and adults exposed to comparable material in the lab or during the initial months of an immersion program show that adults perform better, not worse, than children ... perhaps because they deploy conscious strategies and transfer what they know about their first language.”

So in a nutshell, adults aren’t drastically worse than children at learning a second language—they even outperform children when learning under the same conditions—but they do have some disadvantages. In most cases, though, they simply don’t receive the same exposure and opportunity.

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Ursula Block

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4y ago
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MZRahman

Lvl 2
4y ago

Yes. Learning a second language is much easier for children than adults.

Children think more simply than adults. They use fewer words, simpler sentence structures, and think less abstractly and that is why they can adopt any second language easily in short period of time.

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Abhishekgarg

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3y ago

Bilingual children learn faster and easier, have improved problem solving skills and creativity, and have more career opportunities in adulthood. They also find it easier to connect with other cultures which makes them more open-minded and tolerant of diversity, and they are less likely to experience age-related mental illness as they reach old age. Most importantly, it’s much easier to learn a second language at an early age.

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Vinay Arora

Lvl 3
4y ago

Yes...Children have the ability to adapt to new things very quickly as compared to adults. Basically children stage is learning stage so its very natural to learn things.

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Wiki User

12y ago

Yes it is but it also depends on the person.

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Evie Edgell

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4y ago

Yes, because children's brains are more like sponges, metaphorically speaking. They take in more information around them and that's the norm, hence why it's easier.

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hairsalonthuy

Lvl 2
4y ago

Because young children 's brains are not yet receiving much information, they are more receptive and absorbable than adults.

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Olivia James

Lvl 7
4y ago

Childrens think simply than adults, children have less to learn trhan adults.

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Marley Washington

Lvl 2
4y ago

NO BECUASE ADULTS ARE SMARTER

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Fadia Derbih

Lvl 3
4y ago

yes.

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Q: Is it much easier for children to learn a second language than it is for adults?
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Can adults master a second language?

Although second- and third-language acquisition is easier for children, adults can master foreign languages. One notable example is the writer Joseph Conrad, who learned English as an adult and went on to become a stylist in English literature.


Is is much easir for children to learn a second language than it is for adults this exemplifies a?

Absolutely! Children are much more adaptable and less self aware than adults and this allows them to make mistakes without the fear of embarrassment and it is this fear which often plagues and sabotages the efforts of many adult students as they embark upon the journey of studying a new language. Children also have highly absorbent subconscious memory and are able to learn a new language with a minimum of grammatical instruction. Children (ideally) view the challenge of learning a second language as fun and when we enjoy doing something it becomes a whole lot easier.


It is much easier for children to learn a second language than it is for adultsthis exemplifes a?

It is easier for kids to learn a different language then it is for a adult. Kids most of the time catches on easier and is around others that speaks different.


It is better for a young child to start learning the second language at a very early age?

Yes, very much so! There is a window in early childhood where it is easiest for children to grasp a second language, so parents should take advantage of that. This is not to discredit any other form of second-language acquisition later in life, but it is just easier for children to learn when they are younger. Hope this helps!


When should you learn a second language?

As soon as possible! A second language can be incredibly useful and the younger you are, the easier it is to learn new things.


What are the differences of learning a second language between children and adults?

ofcouse, it just takes a longer time to learn the language cause a child's brain is still developing while an adults is fully developed so, yes but it would take a longer time for adults to learn it, that why kids go to school (sadly, like mee)because its easier for people to put info in developing brains then it is to fullt developed brains.


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Should all children be taught a second laugauge?

It would be pretty neat and useful if your children learned a secound language but not all children should be taught a second language it's really the child's parents decision!!


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How does age affect language learning? Some people correctly herald the ease by which younger children can adapt to a second language, especially if they're immersed in a culture that speaks it. Well, older learners aren't too shabby either. According to researches done on the topic, given the same amount of input, adults can proceed to learn a new language faster than children. Of course, that's assuming they're investing the same amount of time in the process (e.g. 1 hour a day). The truth, however, is that children learning a second language usually end up having more time to invest in their learning. Unlike their dads or moms, who need to attend to regular responsibilities while squeezing in language learning software study in their busy workdays, children can focus more of their energies towards it. As such, the impression that they learn at a more impressive pace than older individuals. The general consensus in language research is that: 1. Adults learn a second language much better than children. 2. Older children learn a second language better than younger children. 3. The earlier one starts in second language learning, the more fluent they become. Of the three, the third one can be the most telling. While people can acquire a new language at any age, it's usually the ones who start young that end up with proficiency comparable to native speakers. Those starting as adults do demonstrate an edge in the beginning, but it's those who start younger that develop higher levels of mastery down the line. by Megan calisura


How age affects the learning process?

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