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Classroom-oriented Research pp 3–13Cite as

Age and the Classroom Learning of Additional Languages

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Part of the book series: Second Language Learning and Teaching ((SLLT))

Abstract

This chapter deals with some commonly held views in relation to the age-factor dimensions of the classroom learning of additional languages which the authors regard as serious misunderstandings. The principal issues focused on are the following: (a) the widespread notion that the younger = better tendencies observed among naturalistic acquirers of additional languages can be assumed to operate also in formal instructional settings; (b) the often unexamined assumption that such support as exists for the Critical Period Hypothesis constitutes an argument for early instruction in additional languages, or that a resolution of the veracity or otherwise of this hypothesis would also resolve the question of when to introduce additional languages into our schools; (c) the idea that ultimate attainment in the context of the classroom learning of additional languages is so much bound up with the age of those doing the learning that almost no other factors are relevant. With respect to all of the above, alternative research-based propositions are presented and advocated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Trinity College Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

    David Singleton

  2. University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

    Agnieszka Skrzypek

Authors
  1. David Singleton
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  2. Agnieszka Skrzypek
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Correspondence to David Singleton .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Zakład Filologii Angielskiej, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Nowy Świat 28-30, Kalisz, 62-800, Wielkopolskie, Poland

    Mirosław Pawlak

  2. , Zakład Filologii Angielskiej, Adam Mickiewicz University, Nowy Swiat 28-30, Kalisz, 62-800, Wielkopolskie, Poland

    Jakub Bielak

  3. , Zakład Filologii Angielskiej, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Nowy Swiat 28-30, Kalisz, 62-800, Wielkopolskie, Poland

    Anna Mystkowska-Wiertelak

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Singleton, D., Skrzypek, A. (2014). Age and the Classroom Learning of Additional Languages. In: Pawlak, M., Bielak, J., Mystkowska-Wiertelak, A. (eds) Classroom-oriented Research. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00188-3_1

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