Children Learning a Language

Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on July 19, 2019 and last updated on May 8, 2023

For the majority of people learning a language is challenging. Although a small percentage of people seem to be able to pick up languages easily and quickly, most people spend years trying to learn a new language without gaining fluency.

An argument given by many adult learners is that it is more difficult to learn languages when you are old, and it is easier to learn them from a young age.

 

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • language (noun)
  • learn (verb)
  • pick up (phrasal verb)
  • difficulty (noun)
  • excuse (noun)
  • fluent (adjective)
  • easily (adverb)
  • bilingual (adjective)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • Is it easier to learn different languages when you are a child?
  • How many languages do you speak?
  • Do you know anyone who is bilingual?
  • Why do you think people say it is easier to learn languages when you are young? Do you think it is an excuse?
  • What advantages do adults have over children when learning a new language?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.