ADULT LANGUAGE LEARNING: INSIGHTS,INSTRUCTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

by Dr Shamim Ali

The present study aims to investigate, that age is not a detriment to language learning .As young students are biologically disposed to better second language learning, as well as given certain benefits such as lower self-monitor and affective filter ,but at the same time adults are also not at a lower vantage point in L2 learning process. In the language learning program, adult learners bring with them certain advantages. Adults are better at understanding grammatical rules since they are aware of the rules and structures in their own language. Adults also have a greater knowledge of the world in which they live, allowing more conversation relevant to their lives accompanied with a larger capacity for vocabulary. Adults language learning is situational demand ,whereas young learners focus only on communication. Young students do not necessarily learn faster than adults and, in fact, adults may learn more efficiently. Furthermore, there is no loss of language ability or language learning ability over time. Learning a second language actually keeps the adult language learners' mind active. People of all ages can benefit from learning languages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Shamim Ali a Professor in the English Department at the National University of Modern Languages Islamabad,Pakistan. Her research interests include Adult learning differences ,Discourse Analysis, Sociolinguistics, Educational Psychology and Language testing &Evaluation

(2011, paperback, 216 pages)