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"Understanding the Brain", The Birth of a Learning Science, 2007, page 86
Language and Developmental Sensitivities (4)
Begin Early
The earlier foreign language instruction begins, the more efficient and effective it is likely to be.
Begin Early
The earlier foreign language instruction begins, the more efficient and effective it is likely to be.
In addition, there is a sensitive period for acquiring the accent of a language (Neville and Bruer, 2001). This aspect of phonological processing is most effectively learned before 12 years of age.
Developmental sensitivities are for very specific linguistic functions, however, and there are other aspects of phonology which do not seem even to have a sensitive period.
In sum, there is an inverse relationship between age and the effectiveness of learning many aspects of language – in general, the younger the age of exposure, the more successful the language learning.
However, for early instruction to be effective, it must be age-appropriate. It would not be useful to take rule-based methods designed for older students and insert them into early childhood classrooms.
It is necessary, in other words, that early foreign language instruction is appropriately designed for young children.
Although the early learning of language is most efficient and effective, it is important to note that it is possible to learn language throughout the lifespan: adolescents and adults can also learn a foreign language, albeit with greater difficulty.
Indeed, if they are immersed in a new language environment, they can learn the language “very well”, though particular aspects, such as accent, may never develop as completely as they would have done if the language had been learned earlier.
There are also individual differences such that the degree and duration of developmental sensitivities vary from one individual to the next. Some individuals are able to master almost all aspects of a foreign language into adulthood.
Developmental sensitivities are for very specific linguistic functions, however, and there are other aspects of phonology which do not seem even to have a sensitive period.
In sum, there is an inverse relationship between age and the effectiveness of learning many aspects of language – in general, the younger the age of exposure, the more successful the language learning.
However, for early instruction to be effective, it must be age-appropriate. It would not be useful to take rule-based methods designed for older students and insert them into early childhood classrooms.
It is necessary, in other words, that early foreign language instruction is appropriately designed for young children.
Although the early learning of language is most efficient and effective, it is important to note that it is possible to learn language throughout the lifespan: adolescents and adults can also learn a foreign language, albeit with greater difficulty.
Indeed, if they are immersed in a new language environment, they can learn the language “very well”, though particular aspects, such as accent, may never develop as completely as they would have done if the language had been learned earlier.
There are also individual differences such that the degree and duration of developmental sensitivities vary from one individual to the next. Some individuals are able to master almost all aspects of a foreign language into adulthood.
"Understanding the Brain", The Birth of a Learning Science, 2007, page 86
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