Each week the Language Acquisition Post will look at different language related topics. The theme for this week is Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Children are better second language learners than adults.
- Children ARE better at learning pronunciation (pronunciation is not an indicator of fluency).
- Children ARE better at interacting in social situations.
- Children USE simpler syntax and vocabulary so the standard for success is lower.
Learning a second language is as difficult for a child. It may be more difficult, as children do not have access to the memory techniques and other strategies that more experienced learners use to acquire vocabulary and the grammatical rules of a language. Children are likely to be shyer and more embarrassed. Children from some cultural backgrounds are extremely anxious when singled out and called upon to perform in a language they are in the process of learning,