Can Adults Acquire a Second Language Successfully?
In my point of view, the answer is “Yes.” Recent neurological research as opposed, to the claims of Critical Age Hypothesis, says that adults do possess superior language learning capabilities (Walsh and Diller, 1978). This is because adult brains are capable for higher-order linguistic processes and embrace well-developed cognitive systems. Relying on long-term memory, adults can make associations and generalizations easily to integrate the new language input with their ample existing learning experiences. Therefore, two pivotal indications can be elicited here: there is no decline in language learning ability while people are getting older, and most importantly, adults can pick up a language more progressively and easily than younger learners. Research also indicates that besides the cognitive development, other elements like language learning strategies, learners’ affective factors, as well as effective teaching methods by tutors should be taken into consideration to produce success...