It should be emphasized that it is not possible to pinpoint an exact age to learn English. However, researchers believe that the younger a person is, the easier it is for them to learn a second language, and they attribute this to the manner language is learned during childhood and the changes our brains undergo during development.
The effect of nationality on language learning
When we are children, our brains are innately and instinctively primed for language learning, and we become aware of the rules and structures of language simply by listening to others speak. Studies have demonstrated that children whose parents have different nationalities can learn both languages, along with their rules and grammar, solely through listening to their parents.
The effect of age to learn English
However, as we get older, this ability diminishes, and grammar becomes something we must consciously memorize. Furthermore, as we mature, our capacity to learn through listening and placing words in sentences diminishes. Therefore, it can certainly be said that childhood is the best time for language learning.
Ideal age of children to learn English
Some researchers believe that the ages of 3 to 4 are the ideal age to learn English. But why 3 to 4 years old?
If we had said a few years ago that The ideal age to learn English is 3 to 4 years old, people would have looked at us with surprise, because at that time, it seemed impossible for children under the age of 5 to learn a language when they didn’t even know their native language well. Some also believe that the age of 6 or 7 is the ideal age to learn English.
The opinion of researchers for the age of learning English
However, today’s research findings demonstrate entirely different conditions. Additionally, studies from Harvard University confirm that if children start learning a second language from a young age, their creativity, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability increase significantly.
They believe that the first 3 years of life are a critical period in people’s lives. At this age, learning a second language is as easy as learning the first language. Although it may seem burdensome, the reality is quite different, as the human brain is incredibly fascinating and flexible. From the very beginning of life, we use our five senses, specifically vision, taste, smell, hearing, and touch, to assimilate our surroundings.
Everything we experience and learn in the early ages and years of life shapes our future, and in later years, we foster their growth.
English teaching methods
Indeed, with English teaching with flashcards, English teaching with songs etc. young children can engage in learning a language with the help of play and amusement. However, as they mature, the brain adopts a different process, making learning a foreign language more challenging than before.
Using innovative language teaching methods for children has the following benefits and advantages:
Learning a second language at a younger age is easier and of superior quality.
Bilingual individuals have better concentration and attention.
Gray matter cells in the brain and their development are higher in bilingual children.
Bilingual children display better academic and career performance in the future.
Learning a second language enhances linguistic and verbal skills in children.
Learning a second language with the closest accent to native speakers is achievable from childhood.
Multilingual children have better communication with other cultures.
Bilingual children demonstrate higher social intelligence and emotional intelligence.
Bilingual children perform better in music recognition and learning.
Learning a second language fosters creativity and innovative thinking.
Are there any factors that could have slowed down our language learning process?
Perhaps we ask ourselves whether it is possible that in our later years, we cannot achieve fluency in a language other than our native language. In reply, it must be stated that none of these ideas should dissuade adults from learning a language. So, even though childhood is considered the ideal age to learn English, It doesn’t matter how old you are or what level of language proficiency you have; you should be aware that that it is never too late to learn. Although our brains may not have the same abilities as before in retaining information at older ages, with practice and greater effort, you can still achieve satisfactory outcomes.
conclution
So, regardless of your age and circumstances, take action right now to pursue your desires. We are here to support you throughout your learning journey in Qkids English.