Are Children Really Better At Foreign Language Learning?
It might seem that children have an easier time picking up foreign languages, but there are ways that adults can be as strong, or stronger, than children, says Anne Merritt.
Adults who can’t achieve success in language learning are often the ones who study at home using educational software or apps. Without teacher support, or steady conversation partners, it’s easy for study to become unstructured.
It’s the classic ‘old dog, new tricks’ excuse. Many adult learners, in fits of frustration, will claim that adults are simply poor at languages. They say children have more porous minds, better memories, and more adaptability. I’m sorry to report, it’s a myth.
Linguistic researchers have found that, under controlled conditions, adults can be better at language learning. So why does it seem that children have an easier time with picking up foreign tongues? Below are four ways that adults are as strong (or stronger) than children at foreign language learning.

How to pronounce foreign languages

Pronunciation is stronger in children (but it doesn’t matter!)
It’s true, the younger the learner, the better they are at mimicking new sounds and adopting pronunciation. The brain is more open to new sounds and patterns in pre-adolescence, so it is very difficult for older language learners to speak without an accent.
What’s more, younger learners are more skilled at identifying subtle differences in sounds. This explains why adult learners of English have trouble with minimal pairs like pin and pen, or fries and flies.
While an adult language learner with a strong accent may seem less proficient, pronunciation is not actually an indicator of fluency. Any confusion with minimal pairs can usually be figured out by looking at context.
Furthermore, if you’re studying a popular foreign language like Spanish or French, listeners are used to hearing their language pronounced in foreign accents. Unless the pronunciation is extremely poor, an accent shouldn’t impede communication.


IN PICTURES: The easiest foreign languages

Adults and children are measured differently
Because children use smaller vocabularies and simpler syntax than adults, the standard of fluency for children is lower. Adult communication is more complicated. We’re expected to be able to speak about a broader range of topics and go more in-depth than children do.
Adults also need language for a broader range of settings, such as in the workplace or on holiday abroad. Therefore, adults require more vocabulary and language competence in order to be considered fluent.
Due to these higher expectations, adults typically have more inhibitions about speaking a foreign language. We are more self-conscious, inclined to save face, and are more easily embarrassed. Children tend to be less inhibited, so they can practice communicating without intimidation.