Unlock the Science of Language Learning: How Age Impacts Your Fluency

Charles Pertwee · Unlock The Science Of Language Learning- How Age Impacts Your Fluency

We all know that as we get older, tasks that used to be easy become more difficult. For example, I can't stay out until 4 am and go to work after only 3 hours of sleep anymore. Learning English, or any language, is the same.

I recently read a 2018 article from Scientific American that confirms our suspicions with hard data. In this article, I will lay out:

1.  The main ideas in the article.
2.  What they mean for you as a learner.
3.  The practical steps you can take to keep learning.

1. The main points.

a. Children can learn a second language until they are 18 years old:

• A large study showed that children are proficient at learning a second language until they are 18 years old, which is about 10 years later than previously estimated.
• The study also found that it is best to start learning a second language before the age of 10 if you want to achieve the same level of fluency as a native speaker.
• The ability to learn new vocabulary remains constant.

b. How did the researchers gather the data?

• The researchers created a short online grammar quiz called "Which English?" that tested noun-verb agreement, pronouns, prepositions, and relative clauses, among other linguistic elements.
• The quiz received 100,000 hits per day and was shared 300,000 times on Facebook.
• The study included native speakers of 38 different languages, including 1% of Finland's population.

c. 3 reasons it is more difficult to learn a new language after the age of 18.

• Social changes: Once kids graduate from high school and go to college or start working full-time, they may not have the time, opportunity, or environment to study a second language like they did when they were younger.
• Interference from your first language: After mastering a first language, its rules may interfere with the ability to learn a second language.
• Continuing brain development: Changes in the brain during the late teens and early 20s may make learning harder.

d. How long does it take to master a language?

• The researchers say that it takes 30 years to fully master a language, even for native speakers.
• Other researchers say that learning the syntax and morphology of a language can be done in about five years, not 30.

e. What is the best way to learn?

• People who learned through immersion in an English-speaking country more than 90% of the time were significantly more fluent than those who learned in a class.
• One of the researchers states that if you have a choice between starting language lessons earlier or learning through immersion later, "I'd learn in an immersion environment. Immersion has an enormous effect on our data."

2. What it means for you as a learner.

As a language learner, you need to manage your expectations and examine your goals for learning the language. 

The research shows that you will probably not master grammar like a native speaker. Separate, earlier research also points out that you will probably never sound like a native speaker either. To achieve native-level grammar and pronunciation you need to start learning the language before you are 18, perhaps even before you are 10 years old. 

But does this matter? 

For most learners, the main goal of learning a language is communication, not perfection. It is not necessary to have a native level in a second language to do this. 

In addition, we all know people who are proficient in a language even though they started learning later in life. 

The study also shows that the ability to learn new vocabulary is not affected by age.

C. Practical steps you can take.

The research suggests that immersion (living in an English-speaking country more than 90% of the time) is the most effective way to become fluent in English.

However, this is not possible for most people. But here are a few things you can try:

• Surround yourself with English: Watch English-language TV shows, movies, and videos, listen to English-language music and podcasts, and read English-language books and news articles. The more exposure you have to the language, the more comfortable you will become with it.
• Practice with native speakers: Find conversation partners online through language exchange websites or apps, or join local language exchange groups in your area. Speaking with native speakers will help you improve your pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence.
• Use English in your daily life: Think in English, write in English, or even talk to yourself in English. The more you use the language, the more natural it will feel to you.
• Create an immersive environment: Label items in English, listen to English-language radio stations and set your phone and computer to English. This will help you think in English and reinforce the language in your mind.
• Use online resources: There are many online resources available for ESL learners, including grammar and vocabulary exercises, language learning apps, and online courses. Take advantage of these resources to supplement your learning and practice your skills.

Remember, everyone learns differently, so it's important to find the strategies that work best for you. And don't forget to have fun!