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Age as a Factor in Second Language Acquisition: A Review of Some Recent Research.

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Title: Age as a Factor in Second Language Acquisition: A Review of Some Recent Research.
Language: English
Authors: Singleton, D. M., Dublin Univ. Trinity Coll. (Ireland). Centre for Language and Communication Studies.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 72
Publication Date: 1981
Document Type: Information Analyses
Descriptors: Adults, Age Differences, Children, Learning Theories, Literature Reviews, Psycholinguistics, Second Language Learning, Verbal Development
Geographic Terms: Ireland
Abstract: The assumed connection between ease of language learning and age has been investigated in recent years by researchers from a wide range of disciplines. With the exception of the findings of research that authentic accents are more easily acquired by children, studies seem to indicate that efficiency in language learning increases with maturation. Evidence does not indicate that there is a firm qualitative distinction to be drawn between the respective ways in which children and adults master a second language. However, much thinking of theorists in second language acquisition has been based on the assumption that children are more efficient second-language learners. Results of this theorizing are outlined under the following headings: (1) imprinting; (2)lateralization and cerebral plasticity; (3) the thalamus theory; (4) the cognitive developmental hypothesis; and (5) affect and motivation differences between children, adolescents, and adults. It is concluded that the evidence for a general age-related deterioration in the capacity to learn a second language is scanty. Of the theories proposed, those which seem to be most consistent with the evidence are those which do not assume a sharp cut-off point for all aspects of language acquisition. (AMH)
Notes: Not available in paper copy because of small print size. In its Occasional Paper No. 3.
Journal Code: RIENOV1982
Entry Date: 1982
Accession Number: ED217712
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Age as a Factor in Second Language Acquisition: A Review of Some Recent Research.
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  Data: 72
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  Data: 1981
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adults%22">Adults</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Age+Differences%22">Age Differences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Children%22">Children</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Theories%22">Learning Theories</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Literature+Reviews%22">Literature Reviews</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psycholinguistics%22">Psycholinguistics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Language+Learning%22">Second Language Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Verbal+Development%22">Verbal Development</searchLink>
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  Data: The assumed connection between ease of language learning and age has been investigated in recent years by researchers from a wide range of disciplines. With the exception of the findings of research that authentic accents are more easily acquired by children, studies seem to indicate that efficiency in language learning increases with maturation. Evidence does not indicate that there is a firm qualitative distinction to be drawn between the respective ways in which children and adults master a second language. However, much thinking of theorists in second language acquisition has been based on the assumption that children are more efficient second-language learners. Results of this theorizing are outlined under the following headings: (1) imprinting; (2)lateralization and cerebral plasticity; (3) the thalamus theory; (4) the cognitive developmental hypothesis; and (5) affect and motivation differences between children, adolescents, and adults. It is concluded that the evidence for a general age-related deterioration in the capacity to learn a second language is scanty. Of the theories proposed, those which seem to be most consistent with the evidence are those which do not assume a sharp cut-off point for all aspects of language acquisition. (AMH)
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  Data: Not available in paper copy because of small print size. In its Occasional Paper No. 3.
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