3. Age & SLA

Question 1

What are some challenges that older language learners may face?

Answer 1

Older language learners may have a harder time with new languages, especially their grammatical systems, and may struggle to master an accent that sounds close to a native speaker.

Question 2

What are fossilized errors?

Answer 2

Fossilization is the ‘freezing’ of the transition between the native language and the target language.
Fossilization occurs when a L2 learner is capable of conveying message with current language knowledge, therefore the need to correct the form/structure is not required. Thus, the learner fossilizes the form instead of correcting it.

Question 3

What are some examples of fossilized errors?

Answer 3

Examples of fossilized errors include
using the verb “to have” instead of “to be” (e.g. “I have 20 years old”),
not knowing how to make embedded questions (e.g. “Do you know where is she?”),
using the verb “to be” instead of “to have” (e.g. “She is long hair”).

Question 4

What are the implications of the critical period hypothesis for adult language learners?

Answer 4

The critical period hypothesis suggests that adult language learners may have a harder time learning a language than younger learners. However, this does not mean that adults cannot learn a language, and with practice and dedication, they can still achieve a high level of proficiency.