Second language acquisition (SLA) and processing constitute a vibrant area of research that spans cognitive psychology, linguistics, and educational sciences. Researchers in this field investigate how ...

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig have unearthed fascinating evidence that the brain undergoes important changes in wiring when we embark on the ...

In this encore episode, Short Wave host Emily Kwong dissects the "critical period hypothesis," a theory which linguists have been debating for decades — with the help of Sarah Frances Phillips, a Ph.D ...

This chapter provides a broad overview of the findings from research on bilingualism and second-language learning, including types of bilingualism, linguistic aspects of second-language acquisition, ...

There is evidence that learning and using a second language results in structural and functional changes in the bilingual brain. The research team hypothesized that acquiring a second language early ...

Lauren: Learning a new language seems like a big challenge in the beginning, and that’s because it is. Many of us started our language learning in the classroom, where we’re taught through ...

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. Older adults may find learning new languages challenging, but recent research shows the effort itself provides ...

From brain development to accents, aptitude, and motivation, the real science behind language learning challenges the idea that there’s only one “right” age to start.

The sixth edition of the South Asian Forum on the Acquisition and Processing of Language (SAFAL) will be held between 17-19 November 2025 at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The conference will ...