The optimal time for learning a second language is typically during childhood or early adolescence, when the brain is more adaptable to acquiring new languages. However, language can be learned at any age with practice and dedication.
People may use their second language for various reasons such as communication with people who speak that language, travel to countries where it is spoken, job opportunities that require proficiency in that language, or personal interest in learning new languages.
Learning a second language can be challenging and time-consuming, and may not be a priority for everyone. Some people may not have the resources or opportunities to learn a new language, or they may prefer to focus on other skills or interests. Ultimately, the decision to learn a second language depends on individual goals and circumstances.
Younger children tend to learn language more easily and quickly than older children and adults. This is due to the brain's neuroplasticity and ability to easily acquire and process new information during the critical period for language development. After this critical period, language learning becomes more challenging and may require more effort.
Overall children have an easier time learning a second language, there is the theory of a "critical period" where after puberty it starts to get harder to learn a language. But for adults it depends what you're first language is and what language you plan on learning because most languages fall into families. English is germanic, but heavily influenced by french. French, and Spanish as well as other romance languages are probably the easiest for an English speaker, followed by germanic languages that aren't extremely different grammatically like Swedish, and Norwegian. Languages like russian, and croatian are different but still in the indo european family so it could be worse. The harderst languages are those that are not related in any way to european languages like Chinese, arabic, and bantu languages.
The impact depends on the timing and similarity of each language. If your first language (native language or L1) and secondary language (L2) are both acquired during childhood, there will be little interference and the learner can become native-level in both. However, if one language is learned in childhood and the other in high school, or some other time after the critical pre-pubescent window, the grammatical and phonological habits of the first language can fossilize and interfere with learning of the new language. If the morphology or syntax is too different, the learner may never grasp them as a native speaker would; alternately, if the phonology is different, the learner may not be able to speak his or her L2 without an accent.
a naturalistic learner is someone who learns the language at the same time as learning to communicate in it source: Second Language Acquisition-Rod Ellis
The best evidence for a critical period in language acquisition is the observation that individuals who are not exposed to language during early childhood have difficulty learning language later in life, suggesting that there is a limited window of time for optimal language development.
People may use their second language for various reasons such as communication with people who speak that language, travel to countries where it is spoken, job opportunities that require proficiency in that language, or personal interest in learning new languages.
Learning a second language can be challenging and time-consuming, and may not be a priority for everyone. Some people may not have the resources or opportunities to learn a new language, or they may prefer to focus on other skills or interests. Ultimately, the decision to learn a second language depends on individual goals and circumstances.
Younger children tend to learn language more easily and quickly than older children and adults. This is due to the brain's neuroplasticity and ability to easily acquire and process new information during the critical period for language development. After this critical period, language learning becomes more challenging and may require more effort.
Overall children have an easier time learning a second language, there is the theory of a "critical period" where after puberty it starts to get harder to learn a language. But for adults it depends what you're first language is and what language you plan on learning because most languages fall into families. English is germanic, but heavily influenced by french. French, and Spanish as well as other romance languages are probably the easiest for an English speaker, followed by germanic languages that aren't extremely different grammatically like Swedish, and Norwegian. Languages like russian, and croatian are different but still in the indo european family so it could be worse. The harderst languages are those that are not related in any way to european languages like Chinese, arabic, and bantu languages.
The biggest difference between teaching mother tongue and teaching of a second language in most cases is the age of the person learning and the number of hours learning. When learning your mother tongue you start the first day you are born and you learn for all hours that you are awake. Teaching a second language, you have the added benefit of having a reference point (your mother tongue). You can learn for example that "bonjour" means "hello" which can be very helpful to learn things quickly. When you learn your mother tongue you learn through association only but in most cases you spend more time learning and have more hours of repetition which leads to inevitable fluency.
that way you learn stuff about the place and the language at the same time
The impact depends on the timing and similarity of each language. If your first language (native language or L1) and secondary language (L2) are both acquired during childhood, there will be little interference and the learner can become native-level in both. However, if one language is learned in childhood and the other in high school, or some other time after the critical pre-pubescent window, the grammatical and phonological habits of the first language can fossilize and interfere with learning of the new language. If the morphology or syntax is too different, the learner may never grasp them as a native speaker would; alternately, if the phonology is different, the learner may not be able to speak his or her L2 without an accent.
Learning a language takes time and practice, as it involves building vocabulary, grammar skills, and fluency. Everyone's language learning journey is unique, and factors such as individual differences in learning styles, motivation, and exposure to the language can affect the speed of learning. Consistent effort and persistence are key to making progress in learning English or any language.
It is probably better to learn British Sign Language (BSL), but learning a language is never a waste of time!
The toddler period has been called as the most critical time for learning language because most of a child's language development takes place at that time. They are off and exploring their world, but they are also putting words together to understand that world and linking the words together to carry on understandable conversations.