IS THERE AN OPTIMAL AGE FOR STARTING SECOND LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION?

Authors

  • Fred Genesee McGill University

Abstract

The received opinion that prefers an early age for the instruction of children in a second language has ifs sources in various long-established postulates from non-pedagogical fields. Genesee names them as the cognitive-nativist and neuropsychological positions, and the argument of "affective purity". He reviews each argument and cites some frequently heard objections, with a view to establishing a fresh perspective on the issue before inspecting some specifically educational research that bears upon it. By a careful weighing of the indications presently available, Genesee argues that advantage seems to lie with an early beginning followed by work at the secondary level.

Author Biography

Fred Genesee, McGill University

Fred Genesee is Research Officer of the Instructional Services Department of the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal, and an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department of McGill University. His research activities include evaluations of bilingual and multilingual school programs, and investigations of second language learning.

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Published

1978-04-01

How to Cite

Genesee, F. (1978). IS THERE AN OPTIMAL AGE FOR STARTING SECOND LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION?. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 13(002). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/7201

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 002 (1978)

Section

Articles