Question:
I've always heard it stated as a given that it is much harder for an
adult to learn a language than it is for a child. I'm currently learning
a second language (Franch) and a third (Italian). Yes, it's sort of
difficult, but then again, I have the feeling that if I were given 2 - 3
years of every day, all day instruction from people who really wanted to
help me learn the language, I'd progress much faster than the average
2 year old.
So I'm interested to know on what basis the children-learn-languages-more
easily "fact" is based. ANyone know? Or is the "fact" only that
children can learn languages without a "foreign accent" more easily than
adults can?
Answer:
Children don't get "all-day" instruction. They get all-day exposure, but
that's not the same thing. Also, most parents don't have training in
language pedagogy, so any teaching that *does* happen wouldn't be directed
the same way that your learning of French and Italian are.
I'd suggest reading Stephen Pinker's book, _The Language Instinct_, for an
explanation by someone who studies child language acquisition. It's
well-written and enjoyable to read
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