Plasticity, Variability and Age in Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism

Area of Science:

• Psycholinguistics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Second language acquisition (SLA) and bilingualism are characterized by significant inter-individual variability.
• Age and plasticity are crucial factors modulating these outcomes, with non-uniformity inherent in both early and late bilingualism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the sources of variability and plasticity in SLA and bilingualism.
• To examine age as a modulating factor in variability and plasticity.
• To explore critical period effects versus bilingualism effects and their impact on L2 attainment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on variability, plasticity, and age in SLA and bilingualism.
• Analysis of factors including early vs. late bilingualism, nativelike attainment, cognitive aging, individual differences, and linguistic dominance.

Main Results:

• Non-uniformity is a fundamental characteristic of both early and late bilingualism.
• Plasticity and age interact with biological and experiential sources of variability.
• Research revealing and explaining variability is highly valuable for understanding SLA and bilingualism.

Conclusions:

• Variability, plasticity, and age are interconnected and shape fundamental research questions in SLA and bilingualism.
• This review provides a framework for understanding the complex interplay of these factors.
• Understanding these dynamics is essential for advancing research in the field.