Learning a second language

Learning a second language is not only difficult but can take a lot of time especially if the individual is older when learning the new language. Findings suggest that there is a critical age for developing a second language. Those that learn a language at a younger age usually do better than learning it at a later age. The critical age for developing a second language is 7. If a child learns a second language before the age of seven, they are able to speak it fluently just as well as native speakers.
Why is 7 the critical age? At seven the brain is still developing and forming while adults' brains are already well developed and biology does not permit people to acquire a language at a later age. Changes in brain funtioning account for the decline in language learning at later ages.

First language development has an impact on both second language development and on cognitive development. Piaget has shown that human cognitive development is achieved through maturation stages. He suggests that children can sustain socialized speech at a preoperational stage of development . At 6 or 7 children are able to begin considering others' points of view and include them in their conversation. Perhaps at 7 years old children are really able to understand the differences between their 1st language and 2nd language. Many children who do develop both languages fluently will learn the first language at home with their families, and will continue with their culture, while at school they learn the 2nd language as well as a new culture and a new set of beleifs. While children at younger ages, around 4 can not easily translate from one language to another at about 6 years when children finally reach the elemantary school years they are able to translate back and forth between the two languages.

Children's environment nurtures and shapes his or her ability to use language. Experiences at home and in other settings that the child is exposed to will determing their success in school as well as their communication skills, and school success.

Research suggest that children with bilingualism do not experience confusion. In earlier ages/ stages of the acquisition of a second language, they usually show being a little behind but it usually doensn't last very long. They are able to speak and express themselves just as well as native speakers.
Bilingual children show some advantages in socio-cognitive development when compared to children who only speak one language. They usually have a easier time understanding the beleifs of others, and can understand both cultures equally.

Learning a second language can have it's benefits but age is a crucial factor in language acquisition, the younger you learn it the better, but the critical age is seven.