There is a common misconception that the only and easiest way to become fluent in a language is by learning it from an early age. This may stem from the fact that research has shown that as a child, our brain uses both hemispheres to learn a language, whereas as an adult, only the left side is used. We are often envious of children brought up in bilingual households, who manage to master two languages without any effort, while we, common mortals, are stuck learning verb endings. ‘Will we ever reach their level of fluency?’ we wonder.
The answer is yes and the Dutch experience proves this. The Netherlands, with a 93% level of English proficiency has the highest English level amongst non anglophone countries. Children only start learning English at age 10, far past the age that bilingual children learn their multiple languages.
But what about even later in life? Interestingly enough, a study has shown ‘https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0013648’ ’ that adults have a comparative advantage over children when learning a language, as adults were able to grasp and apply language rules more effectively. This is supported by a study of 2000 Spanish learners of English (http://www.ripl.uk/the-role-of-age/the-effects-of-age-on-foreign-language-learning-the-baf-project/) that demonstrated that adults acquired foreign vocabulary with greater ease than children.
Language learning is even encouraged in adulthood as it improves our brain health and reduces the probability of diseases like Alzeimers. Language learning is so unique as unlike other disciplines, it is universally accessible, previous studies are not required and we can start at any age.
However, you are warned that according to Kshipra Gurunandan a researcher at the BCBL Basque Center on Cognition, Brain, and Language, accents are more difficult to nail with age, but through speaking with a native speaker on MyDialogue, you may just be able to acquire a perfect foreign accent!
