How to explain the phenomenonof the gradual decline over age.ppt

How to explain the phenomenon  of the gradual decline  over age ? Gradual decline Pronunciation Grammar Very little research has investigated other aspects of L2 learning Distinguish the effects of age according to learning context (in naturalistic or instructed situations) To untangle the results What effect does age have on the rate of L2 learning? What effect does age have on learners’ ability to achieve native-speaker levels of proficiency? What effect does age have on learners’ levels of L2 achievement (in those learners who do not reach native –speaker proficiency)? What effect does age have on the processes of L2 Learning? What effect does age have on the rate of L2 learning? Krashen, Long, Scarcella 1979 Adults are superior to children in rate of acquisition Older children learn more rapidly than younger children It appears to be more applicable to grammar than pronunciation (where children seem to learn as rapidly, if not more rapidly, than adults), although in case of formal learning situations adults seem to do better even in this area of learning. It is not yet clear at what point children start to catch up. What effect does age have on learners’ ability to achieve native-speaker levels of proficiency? Crucial for CPH Mixed results Verdict remain an open one What effect does age have on learners’ levels of L2 achievement (in those learners who do not reach native –speaker proficiency)? School-based situation Not supportive of the claim that children ‘s level of attainment is greater than that of adolescents or adults Singleton(1989):formal learning environments do not provide learners with the amount of exposure needed for age advantage of young learners to emerge Naturalistic learning situation Most convincing evidence that younger is better in pronunciation and grammar Singleton(1989):one of the few definite conclusions that he feels able to reach in a comprehensive survey of age-rela