A brief review of the effects of age on second language acquisition: Is younger better?

Elise, Yi Wu

doi:10.54475/jlt.2022.001

Authors

Elise, Yi Wu The University of Oxford

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54475/jlt.2022.001

Keywords:

second language acquisition, age, critical period, learning context

Abstract

The present review provides a brief overview of relevant theories and empirical findings relating to the effects of age on second language acquisition and to evaluate the notion ‘the young is the better’ in educational language learning contexts. While some evidence suggests that age is a strong predictor of language learning, there are certain caveats required. The implications of research related to age on second language acquisition on language teaching are also explored.

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