Window Of Opportunity

Research demonstrates the importance of introducing a second language to children at an early age between the ages of birth and ten years of age when the window for learning a second language peaks and there is greater opportunity for linguistic development. The elasticity of the brain of young children enables them to easily learn multiple languages with great ease. Studies demonstrate that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are more likely to develop native-like pronunciation (e.g., Strozer, 1994)

http://www.cal.org/resources/pubs/whyhowwhen_brochure.pdf

As children age, the ability for the brain to restructure itself diminishes, so does the “window of opportunity”. An early and continued instruction enables children to achieve levels of fluency, otherwise not possible due to a late start of most programs. Older children may also learn a second language successfully; however, the level of attainment may due to factors that influence language may be less predictable (See, e.g., articles in Mayo, del Pilar, & Lecumberri, 2003.) Any and all exposure to a second language and it’s culture will be beneficial, even if native-like proficiency is not achieved.

WIRED FOR LEARNING
Researchers concur that children’s brain are pre-wired to learn languages. Children begin to build upon their language skills from the moment of birth by utilizing the sounds of speech they are exposed to by listening, absorbing, and imitating words both in the first and second languages they hear. Repetition is essential to form connections. This ability to form and reform connections is known as plasticity. These connections, built at an astounding rate enable children to make associations between sounds, words, objects, smells as well as to differentiate between various languages. In fact, there seems to be no limit to the number of languages young children can acquire. Not only necessary for learning a new language, these connections are also beneficial towards academic success. Scientific studies demonstrate students who have engaged in second language study perform better in areas such as mathematics and logic.