Myth |
Fact |
Misinterpretation: Children pick up languages quickly. |
Older learners are generally faster and more efficient in the initial stages of L2 learning.
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Misattribution: Differences in brain activation patterns between children and adults during language learning explain language proficiency differences.
|
No link has been established between L2 learning and the state of neural networks. It is possible that adult and child learners localize their learning differently without showing different learning
outcomes.
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Misemphasis: Group comparisons show adults are not capable of achieving nativelike proficiency in a second language.
|
Some adult learners have outperformed early learners. Cognitive, motivational, and environmental factors are more important than
age. Most adults fail to engage in ways that lead to high levels of success.
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Adapted with permission from:
Teemant, A. & Pinnegar, S. (2007). Understanding Langauge Acquisition Instructional Guide. Brigham Young University-Public School Partnership.
This content is provided to you freely by BYU Open Learning Network.
Access it online or download it at https://open.byu.edu/language_acquisition/variability_reading_E.