Younger children are more effective language learners than older children
The truth is... According to Wright, 2010, “Research has challenged this view with evidence that adults can and do learn languages successfully and even attain “native-like” proficiency.” Research has shown that younger students do have some advantages and also older students have some advantages as well. But, most of the advantages the younger students have over the older students are social rather than cognitive. Some advantages older students have over younger students are the fact that they may have learning strategies that they established in their native language that will help them with learning the second language.
Older students may also be able to read in their native language and have other skills that can transfer to the new language they are learning (Wright 2010, pg. 50). Younger students may be able to learn a new language with very little accent, older students are often more efficient learners. Language expectations for younger learners are usually lower. Older students have more of a need to have a higher capacity for learning, since expectations for them are going to be higher. If expectations are lower for younger students, they are not pushed as hard to be effective in their learning.
Older students may also be able to read in their native language and have other skills that can transfer to the new language they are learning (Wright 2010, pg. 50). Younger students may be able to learn a new language with very little accent, older students are often more efficient learners. Language expectations for younger learners are usually lower. Older students have more of a need to have a higher capacity for learning, since expectations for them are going to be higher. If expectations are lower for younger students, they are not pushed as hard to be effective in their learning.