Much has been said about why it is claimed to be easier for a child to learn a second language than for an adult. Regarding this topic, there are many divided opinions since, for many, this is nothing more than a myth. However, there are some reasons that demonstrate that this myth is likely to cease to exist. The following blog provides us with a more detailed explanation of the differences in the learning process between adults and children:
Adults vs. Children in Second Language Learning
- Brain plasticity: Children have more flexible brains and are more capable of absorbing new information and linguistic patterns naturally. Adults, on the other hand, tend to have linguistic patterns more deeply rooted in their native language, which can hinder the acquisition of a new language.
- Inhibitions and fears: Adults may feel more self-conscious and have more fear of failure when learning a new language, which can hinder their progress. Children often have fewer inhibitions and are more willing to make mistakes without worrying about what others may say.
- Early exposure: Children often have more early exposure to the new language if they are immersed in an environment where that language is spoken, allowing them to learn naturally and effortlessly, as they would with their mother tongue.
- Responsibilities and commitments: Adults often have responsibilities and commitments that take up much of their time, such as work, family, and other activities. This can limit the time and energy available to dedicate to learning a new language compared to a child who can dedicate more time more flexibly.
- Imitation and phonetic ability: Children are better imitators and have a greater ability to accurately reproduce sounds of a new language. Adults, especially those whose mother tongue is phonetically very different from the language they are learning, may struggle to pronounce certain sounds and intonation patterns correctly.
- Motivation and perceived need: Children often learn a new language out of necessity, such as when they move to a country where that language is spoken. Adults, on the other hand, may sometimes lack such strong motivation if they do not perceive an immediate or tangible need to learn the language.
- Previous experiences: Adults may have previous language learning experiences that can influence their approach and attitude towards the learning process. Past negative experiences or limiting beliefs about language skills can hinder progress in acquiring a new language.
- Grammatical and abstract understanding: Some grammatical aspects and abstract concepts in a new language may be more difficult for adults to grasp, especially if they differ significantly from those of their native language. Children may learn these structures more intuitively and naturally, without needing to understand the rules explicitly.
These reasons show that the language learning process can be more challenging for adults due to a variety of factors including responsibilities, previous experiences, and differences in imitation ability and motivation. Despite these differences, adults can still successfully learn a new language through a combination of motivation, constant practice, language exposure, and appropriate learning techniques. Although it may require more effort and time compared to a child, language learning in adulthood is entirely possible and rewarding. Do not get stressed out if you are an adult and think you can not learn English. Besides, English is a difficult language for native and non-native speakers.
Both children and adults are welcome at Unlimited English. We have a program for children and a program for adults. If you are looking for a place to study English, look no further. The classes that we have are virtual and with certified native English speakers with years of experience teaching English. If you are tired of learning the traditional way, do not hesitate to send us a message.
