answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Linguistics

The optimal time for learning a second language is?

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.


Why to people use their second language?

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.


Why shouldn't you learn a second language?

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.


Is learning the German language easy?

It's not the most difficult language, but it's not the easiest either. Here's a true fact for you - the hardest language to learn on the entire planet, is English. And you're writing in English, so you have already mastered the world's most difficult language. There is nothing stopping you taking on German.


What is the impact of first language on the learning of second language?

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.

Related Questions

The optimal time for learning a second language is?

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.


What is a naturalistic learner?

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


What is the easiest language to learn besides spanish?

If you find Spanish to be easy to learn, you'll probably have a similarly easy time learning Italian or Portuguese, or French to a certain extent.


Why to people use their second language?

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.


Why shouldn't you learn a second language?

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.


Is learning the German language easy?

It's not the most difficult language, but it's not the easiest either. Here's a true fact for you - the hardest language to learn on the entire planet, is English. And you're writing in English, so you have already mastered the world's most difficult language. There is nothing stopping you taking on German.


What is the difference between teaching mother tongue and teaching of other language?

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.


What is the purpose of Rosetta stone language?

Rosetta Stone language has been around quite a long time and many reviews harken that it is the easiest and fastest way to learn almost any language. of course this belief may also hinge on a person ability to grasp new languages or the age of the person who is learning. This can be an individual situation.


Why language testing can not be separated from teaching and learning process?

that way you learn stuff about the place and the language at the same time


How do tell time in seconds?

look at the nearest clock with a second hand is the easiest way


What is the impact of first language on the learning of second language?

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.


Why you can not learn English quickly?

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.