Is it much easier for children to learn a second language than it is for adults?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

Yes it is but it also depends on the person.

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

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

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

NO BECUASE ADULTS ARE SMARTER

Answer 10

yes.