What happens to the ability to learn new languages as children age?

As children age, their ability to learn new languages becomes less pronounced. This phenomenon is often associated with what is known as the "critical period hypothesis." Research indicates that young children have a heightened capacity for language acquisition, allowing them to learn new languages more easily and efficiently than older individuals. This is especially true in early childhood, where the brain is particularly receptive to absorbing new linguistic information and mimicking sounds.

As children grow older, this innate ability to learn languages diminishes. Factors contributing to this decline include neurological changes, cognitive development, and increased reliance on established language skills rather than exploring new ones. Older children and adults may find it more challenging to achieve native-like pronunciation and fluency, often requiring more conscious effort and practice to learn a new language compared to younger children. Understanding this developmental aspect emphasizes the importance of early exposure to multiple languages in language acquisition programs and educational settings.