IS THERE AN OPTIMAL AGE FOR STARTING SECOND LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION?
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.Downloads
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
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