L2 learning in late adulthood
Reasons
International Migration
Grandparents are unable to communicate with their grandchildren becuase they do not speak the native language of their parents.
Refugees and immigrants who are either ageing
in their host country or who arrive as older adults feel the pressure to master the host country's langauge (economic advantages)
After retirement activities - ‘personal achievement and fulfillment’
Third-age learner: denomination
Numerical attribute (age grading):
Can be from age 50 to 75
From age 70 to 84
It can refer to adults who are 60 years and older
It is difficult to determine it
Third age is typically viewed as a time BEFORE any serious disability arises for a given person, a period of subjective well-being
‘healthy, motivated individuals no longer working full-time’
Chronological age does not determine the positioning of L2 learners in later life
Cognitive aspects of L2 acquisition in the third age
Some age-related declines:
reduced working memory capacity
decrease in attention
reduced learning and recalling of new information
slower lexical access and recognition
a slowing of processing speed
These aspects can cause different degrees of ‘struggle’
However, neurocognitive ageing literature suggests that the brain preserves large parts of its dendritic and synaptic plasticity even at an advanced age and remains receptive towards new languages
For example the use of multiple languages builds cognitive reserve of older individuals, which allows them to function at the same level as monolingiuals at a much lower degenerative level
Learning a new language is a cognitively stimulating activity
Socio-affective influences on adult SLA and use
Benefits of L2 learning
School context
low coping potential
lack of self-confidence
orientation towards failure
apprehension
bewilderment
Naturalistic setting
willingness to communicate
but lack opportunities
Can cause greater language anxiety and L2 avoidance
However, older learners can be intrinsically motivated. They might return to the classroomwith high motivation and excitement
helps to maintain and enhance ‘healthy’ ageing
promotes neural plasticity
fosters social interaction, individual mobility and autonomy
might offer seniors new opportunities for overcoming a state of isolation, stagnation and despair