Many people believe that the ultimate success in language learning depends on how early a person is exposed to a certain language. In the late 1950s neurolinguists even introduced the critical period hypothesis. Soon the idea of a biologically based critical period for language acquisition became a popular way of explaining the supposed success of children and the failure of adults in learning a second language. (1)
However, ‘the earlier the better’ rule of thumb is being questioned more and more. (2) The existence of a critical period in itself is not disputed, but the age is no longer the only, nor the most determining, predictor of success in language learning. (3)
Today we will take a closer look at the age question. We hope to be able to give you enough reasons not to give up your language studies because of age – whatever that age might be.