A Study on the Influence of Age on Learning Effectiveness of English Second Language Learners

Abstract

The critical period hypothesis (CPH) proves a limited and specific period of language acquisition. Penfield and Roberts first supported CPH in 1959. Later, Lenneberg also supported it in late 1967 [1]. Based on the necessity of finding out the relationship between language learners' starting age and academic achievement, this paper explores the second language acquisition of 191 subjects of different ages from 7 to 9. Examinations and interviews were conducted in the study. The results show that learners of different ages have different learning characteristics, and there is a close relationship between the starting age of language learners and their English mastery ability. In other words, the language learners, whose starting age is younger, have more advantages than those whose starting age is older. At the same time, some suggestions on teaching methods are put forward for learners of different ages in order to improve teaching efficiency.