What do u think:is easier to learn a language before age ten?

Question

i believe so.. but what do u think?

Answer 1

I agree with responder #1.

Answer 2

You can separate people into 3 main groups:

* adults learn best over a short time, but rarely reach native-like accuracy

* teenagers learn nearly as quickly as adults over a short time, and it is highly possible for them to reach native-like accuracy in all areas except pronunciation

* children learn a bit slower initially, but it's highly possible for them to reach native-like accuracy in all areas including pronunciation

All of these depend on the amount of exposure and practice. And everyone can reach a very high-level of fluency, so if you're not so worried about accuracy then age doesn't make much difference at all.

In general, the earlier the better.

One word of warning - switching to a second language between the ages of 4 and 7 might result in inaccuracies in both languages (that is, if they were raised on one and then switched completely to the other - continuing with both languages consistently wouldn't result in the same problem).

Answer 3

It's easier to pick it up inductively before the age of 7 or 8, but better to learn the structure and grammar after age 10-12.  A young child's brain generally learns inductively, while an older child's brain (and adult's) generally learns best deductively.

Answer 4

Yes. The brain has the capacity to learn several languages from birth. As we age, that capacity diminishes. A child's brain is like a sponge. Most adults just have rocks in their heads... but that's a different issue.