At What Age Is the Best Time to Learn a Foreign Language?

TechRepublic

Learning a foreign language is becoming more and more difficult with age. But when is it best time to start?

According to a recent study published in Cognition magazine and quoted by Travel + Leisure, the ideal age is 10 years. If a person begins after that, the chance to master the language perfectly is minimal.

The ability to learn begins to decrease at about 17 or 18 years, so those who start learning a foreign language after 10 years can still be quite good but not perfect because they do not have enough time to do so.

Scientists have not yet found a definitive answer why over time our ability to absorb new knowledge decreases.

Possible explanations may include changes in brain plasticity, lifestyle, and simply reluctance.

Another unusual conclusion about foreign language learning is that staying in a foreign country is far more effective than classroom lessons.

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