Speaking foreign languages is an important skill for a successful career and personal development.
The optimal age for learning English depends on the individual characteristics of the child and his motivation. However, research shows that starting language learning early can provide benefits in the form of better language proficiency and faster language acquisition.
According to research, the active formation of speech skills in children occurs at the age of 1.5 to 9 years. During this period, the child’s brain is most susceptible to the sounds of foreign speech and remembers new words more easily. After the age of 9, the structure of the brain becomes less flexible, and learning a language may require more effort and time.
Scientific research also confirms that adults can achieve good results in language learning, especially if they are motivated and have access to quality resources and teachers.
One of the main conditions, in addition to individual characteristics and motivation, is the choice of an educational institution. The British International School guarantees successful study at an early age, as it actively applies an integrated approach. Learn all the details on the official site of English School in Moscow — https://bismoscow.com/.
Pros and Cons of Starting Early
The advantages of early learning a foreign language:
- Ease of perception ─ children learn new knowledge faster due to the peculiarities of speech development.
- General development ─ learning a foreign language broadens horizons, trains memory, logic, and thinking.
- Speech development ─ early learning of a foreign language contributes to faster speech development in the native language.
- Discipline ─ attending classes at an early age teaches the child to discipline and develops socialization.
Disadvantages are:
- The child may begin to confuse words and sounds, which may affect the native language.
- Lack of motivation ─ young children do not always understand why they need to learn a foreign language.
- Excessive load ─ not all children are ready for serious activities at an early age, which can lead to health problems.
- Lack of full-fledged communication with native speakers ─ it will be more difficult for a child to learn new skills if no one in the family speaks English, at least at an elementary level.
The Results of the Study
The question of what age is the best time to start learning English requires careful consideration at the research level.
One study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that many adult students achieved a good level of English proficiency and even surpassed the results of children. This confirms that adults have equal or even greater opportunities to learn languages compared to children.
In addition, research has revealed that children and adults have their own strengths in learning new languages. Children are easier to deal with mistakes and learn faster, while adults have a better understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation of their native language, which makes it easier to learn foreign languages.
Thus, the research results show that age is not the main factor determining success in language learning. It is important to take into account the individual characteristics and motivation of each student in order to achieve the best results.
Cognitive Processes
Based on the theory of Jean Piaget, cognitive development can be divided into four stages: sensorimotor, preoperative, operational and the stage of specific operations. Each stage is characterized by peculiarities of thinking and perception.
Neural plasticity is the ability of neurons to change their structure and function in response to external influences. Children have higher neural plasticity, which makes it easier for them to learn and develop cognitive skills. With age, neural plasticity decreases, which can affect cognitive abilities.
Thus, differences in neural plasticity and cognitive skills between age groups are explained by the peculiarities of each stage of cognitive development and the decrease in neural plasticity with age.
Approaches to Learning
In the modern world, education plays a key role in personal development and adaptation to constantly changing living conditions. The education of children and adults takes place using different approaches, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages.
- Intuitive ─ Intuitive learning in children is based on the natural development of the child and his ability to perceive information through play, creativity, and communication. This approach helps children easily assimilate new knowledge and develop creative abilities. However, intuitive learning may not be sufficient to develop deep knowledge and analytical skills.
- Systematic ─ Analytical skills in adults are based on a systematic approach to learning, logic, and critical thinking. This approach allows adults to study complex subjects and develop professional skills. However, excessive enthusiasm for the analytical approach can lead to a loss of flexibility in thinking and make it difficult to adapt to new situations.
To achieve a balance between intuitive learning and analytical skills, it is necessary to combine both approaches in the educational process. Intuitive learning should be the basis for the initial mastering of the material, and analytical skills should be used for in-depth study and application of knowledge in practice.
An important aspect is also the support and motivation from teachers and parents. They should help children develop intuitive learning and maintain interest in new knowledge, as well as teach adults analytical skills and help them adapt to changing conditions.
Stages of Language Acquisition in Children
The main stages include:
- Familiarization with the native language system and strengthening in it.
- The beginning of learning English at the age of 5-8 years.
- Laying the foundations of communicative competence in 2 years.
- Mastering reading, listening, speaking and writing in English.
- Learning the rules of reading, monologues and dialogues.
- Development of oral and written language skills, graphics, and spelling.
- Sociocultural aspect ─ knowledge of names, symbols, history, and folklore.
- The use of activity-based and communicative-cognitive approaches to learning.
Learning a foreign language at an early age has many advantages ─ academic performance improves, horizons expand, cultural ties are formed and critical thinking develops. Early learning stimulates neural connections in the brain, which has a positive effect on memory and analytical skills.
The main thing is to find a good school and teacher and motivate your child to achieve things.
