Neurolinguistic account of adults' superior language learning capabilities¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The digest presents a neurolinguistic account, citing Walsh and Diller (1978), that replaces the 1960s critical-period hypothesis. It states that "in important respects adults have superior language learning capabilities" because neural cells responsible for higher-order linguistic processes such as understanding semantic relations and grammatical sensitivity develop with age. Adults are described as better learners especially in vocabulary and language structure, relying on long-term memory rather than the short-term memory children use for rote learning.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The account presupposes healthy adult learners, since health is described as an important factor in all learning.

Constraints¶

• The digest notes language learning is different in childhood and adulthood because of developmental differences in the brain.

Target Learners¶

• adult foreign language learners

Target Learning Objectives¶

• second language vocabulary and language structure learning

Claims¶

• Learning Ability Does Not Decline With Age [+M]
• Adults learn languages more quickly than children in the early stages of second language acquisition [+W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• Favor learning strategies that rely on long-term memory and integrate new material with existing cognitive structures
• Delay speaking practice and emphasize listening comprehension in adult language training

Key Sources¶

• Schleppegrell, Mary. (1987). The Older Language Learner. ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics, Washington DC. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED287313