Critical Window for Learning a Language [BBC]
In an article BBC shared today, researchers suggest there is a critical cut-off age for learning a language fluently. According to recent studies, research suggests that if you want to have "native-like" knowledge of a language, you should ideally start before the age of 10.
Our research along with plenty of other research on multilingualism also proves that the earlier you start, the better, but that that the cut-off age is 6 when it's easiest for children to learn a new language. This is when our brains are hard-wired to learn 2-3 languages with ease.
In the study, an online grammar test was given to nearly 670,000 people of different ages and nationalities. When the data was analyzed, researchers discovered that grammar-learning was best during childhood, which persists into the teenage years, and then drops off during adulthood. The researchers suggest the drop off during adulthood could be due to the brain becoming less adaptable.
There are many benefits of introducing your children to a new language before the age of 6.
- Bilingual children demonstrate superior reading, writing, social & cognitive skills.
- Learning a new language develops a natural curiosity about world cultures
- Early multilingual exposure benefits emotional health and social development
- New studies indicate that multilingual exposure improves children's social skills
- Bilingual kids score higher in creative thinking and problem solving in many studies
- As children tune their hearing to learn new sounds and words, their listening skills develop
Give your child an extraordinary advantage. Start teaching your kids a second language at the age they learn best which is before the age of six. Watch it pay off over a lifetime! Little Pim is the leading early language learning program for kids ages 0-6. Start watching today for your child's first introduction to a new language!
