Exploration of the Influencing Mechanisms of Age of Onset in Second Language Acquisition
Abstract
Does the age of onset play a role in second language acquisition? This question has been discussed for decades. With the arrival and development of globalization, more and more people are learning a second language or immigrating, which has brought growing attention to the topic of second language acquisition. In China, English has been taught as a second language for decades. Over time, the starting grade for English instruction in schools has gradually shifted earlier: from high school to middle school, then to primary school, and now even preschool education includes English enlightenment. But is an earlier start always better? Does age affect second language learning? Scholars have debated this question intensely. This paper draws on different research findings, summarizes and organizes the most common perspectives, analyzes experimental designs—especially in terms of variable control—and finally presents my own viewpoint.
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