The Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning a Second Language Early

Abstract

With the accelerating of the worldwide favor of learning a second language, this article illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of learning a second language early by analysing relevant research and articles. The advantages of learning a second language are based on the prefrontal cortex in the brain that can help promote the cognitive development like attentional ability, memory and creativity. The acquisition of a second language can in fact benefit from the cognitive development and the academic development. In contrast, learning a second language too early can lead to a loss of the native language and the inadequate mastery of native language makes it more difficult to learn a foreign language. Academic burden and external factor such as the lack of proper education can hinder the second-language-process as well.