| dc.description.abstract | While learning a novel language is possible with intense instruction and practice, it becomes increasingly difficult with age. A large body of evidence suggests that there is a critical period for learning a second language that ends around ages 8 or 9, and the ability to learn a second language declines after this critical period closes (Johnson & Newport 1989). Others argue that the period of learning may decline from birth (Guion et al., 2000; Hernandez et al., 2005) or that the ability to learn remains constant, but deteriorates from other causes such as higher disinterest from adults (Hakuta et al., 2003; Hernandez et al., 2005). While the age where this critical period closes or begins is still being debated, the relative ease with which children learn a second language compared to adults is well-documented (Hartshorne et al., 2018). The goal of the current study is to evaluate a novel intervention approach that improves novel language learning in adults. | |
