Why is it easier to learn languages when we are young?

Question from Hannah King

According to recent research, the best time to start learning a language is before the age of ten. There are three reasons for this. 

First, children have more time to learn. Second, the grammar of the first language you learn affects the way you learn other languages. Third, the brain trims connections as we age, making learning easier when we’re young.


Answered by Laura Mears for Brain Dump in How It Works issue 120.

To feature in our Brain Dump section, send us your questions to howitworks@futurenet.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter


For more science and technology articles, pick up the latest copy of How It Works from all good retailers or from our website now. If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also download the digital version onto your iOS or Android device. To make sure you never miss an issue of How It Works magazine, subscribe today!