Myth+2+The+Younger+the+Better


 Some specialists in language acquisition claim that the sooner a child starts to learn a second language the better. This seems to make sense; the earlier you start, the longer you will have to learn, and the more progress you will make compared with someone who started later.  However research shows that older children, adolescents and adults are __better at learning a new language__ in many ways than younger children, except in the area of pronunciation.  There is evidence that __younger learners are disadvantaged__ particularly, if the second language comes to take the place of the first language, which has never been allowed to develop properly. Some researchers discuss the __dangers of double semi-lingualism__ for early learners of a second language; this happens when the child does __not develop full proficiency__ in either of the two languages.

Research reflects that __older learners are more efficient language learners__, so they may need less time to reach the same level of proficiency as younger learners. Older learners, literate in their first language, have had more school experience, and have a wider range of prior knowledge that facilitates learning an additional language. Researchers Thomas & Collier (1997) found that t__he most significant variable in how long it takes to learn English is the amount of formal schooling students have received in their first language.__

http://www.cal.org/topics/ell/ http://esl.fis.edu/parents/advice/myth2.htm //School Effectiveness for Language Minority Students//, Wayne P. Thomas and Virginia Collier, 1997