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Age and second language acquisition and processing: A selective overview (2006)
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| Venue: | Language Learning |
| Citations: | 55 - 0 self |
BibTeX
@ARTICLE{Birdsong06ageand,
author = {David Birdsong},
title = {Age and second language acquisition and processing: A selective overview},
journal = {Language Learning},
year = {2006},
pages = {9--49}
}
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Abstract
This article provides a selective overview of theoretical issues and empirical findings relating to the question of age and second language acquisition (L2A). Both behavioral and brain-based data are discussed in the contexts of neurocognitive aging and cognitive neurofunction in the mature individual. Moving beyond the classical notion of “deficient ” L2 processing and acquisition, we consider the complementary question of learner potential in postadolescent L2A. The outcome of second language acquisition (L2A) among adults is demonstrably different in many respects from the outcome of first language acquisition (L1A) among children. Departing from this basic observation, researchers attempt to understand the various sources of age-related effects in L2A. The present article is an overview of facts and theoretical issues concerning age and L2A. This contribution considers both behavioral data and brain-based processing data. The review includes findings and controversies in the areas of neurocognitive development and aging, and cognitive neurofunction in the mature brain. A comprehensive treatment of the facts and issues is not possible in the space available. It is hoped, nevertheless, that this selective offering provides useful scaffolding for other articles in Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to David
Keyphrases
second language acquisition selective overview cognitive neurofunction theoretical issue many respect mature brain mature individual basic observation present article comprehensive treatment postadolescent l2a classical notion age-related effect brain-based data various source behavioral data learner potential neurocognitive development neurocognitive aging deficient l2 processing first language acquisition brain-based processing data complementary question selective offering empirical finding
