年龄因素对二外学习的影响

年龄一直是二语习得领域研究的其中一个重要因素.人们普遍认为,儿童在二语习得的速度和效率上要优于成年人,是更好的外语学习者.然而也有一些研究表明,较晚学习外语的学习者要比较早学习外语者的学习效果更好.在探讨一些比较有代表性的研究,可以分析得出年龄对于二外学习可能存在的影响以及原因,这对我们的英语教学不无启示.

Role of Age in Second Language Learning

Age factor is one of the main concerns in the domain of second language learning. The prevalent recognition accepted by the public is that early starters are better and quicker learners than those late starters with regard to second language learning. However, results of some researches demonstrate that it is late starters that outperform early starters in second language acquisition. The author of this paper reviews a few representative studies on age and second language learning, gives a general reflection on age effects on second language acquisition and popular explanations, thus discussing its pedagogical implications in second language classrooms.