The effect of age on second language acquisition: A meta-analysis
Presenter Hometown
Lebanon, Kentucky
Major
Psychology and Spanish
Department
Psychology
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Richard Osbaldiston
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Spalding, Bailey A., "The effect of age on second language acquisition: A meta-analysis" (2018). University Presentation Showcase Event. 30.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2018/undergraduate/30
Abstract
There is a popular notion that younger individuals learn a second language (L2) easier than older individuals. This meta-analysis seeks to explore the veracity of that claim: Does age affect second language acquisition? We located 10 studies that examined age of learning L2 and L2 proficiency. Overall, we found a moderate effect of age on L2 proficiency, r = -.30. The effect was stronger for studies that had younger samples (age < 25, r = -.42) compared to older samples (age > 25, r = -.22). No meaningful differences were found for type of L1 (L1 Asian-based language r = -.32, L2 European-based language r = -.29). These results confirm the popular notion that younger individuals learn a second language more easily.
Presentation format
Poster
The effect of age on second language acquisition: A meta-analysis
There is a popular notion that younger individuals learn a second language (L2) easier than older individuals. This meta-analysis seeks to explore the veracity of that claim: Does age affect second language acquisition? We located 10 studies that examined age of learning L2 and L2 proficiency. Overall, we found a moderate effect of age on L2 proficiency, r = -.30. The effect was stronger for studies that had younger samples (age < 25, r = -.42) compared to older samples (age > 25, r = -.22). No meaningful differences were found for type of L1 (L1 Asian-based language r = -.32, L2 European-based language r = -.29). These results confirm the popular notion that younger individuals learn a second language more easily.
