Abstract
Why do adults retain a marked accent in foreign languages? Despite learning and reaching proficiency in other second language (L2) linguistics domains, adults have an extremely difficult time absorbing, recognizing, and utilizing a new phonology. Traditional linguistics and biology hold that a critical period inversely affects language learning ability with age. However, recent advances in brain imaging and knowledge of neuroscience alter this notion. We argue for a separation between language learning and language acquisition. We also present a new model for adult L2 learning, called the Attention Model. This model focuses on linguistic awareness between an L1 and L2, and builds up a new language based on recognition of linguistic form.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Faculty Supervisor
Ettien Koffi
Recommended Citation
Rawski, Jonathan
(2015)
"Second-Language Phonology Learning and Neuroplasticity,"
Linguistic Portfolios: Vol. 4, Article 3.
Available at:
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/stcloud_ling/vol4/iss1/3
Author Bio
Jonathan Rawski is a graduate student of Cognitive Science at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. He earned a BA in Linguistics from the University of Minnesota in 2013.