LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE AT DIFFERENT AGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS USING AI-ASSISTED APPROACHES

Abstract

Age plays an important role in how people learn a second language. It influences cognitive abilities, brain flexibility, motivation, and learning strategies. Younger learners are often more successful in developing natural pronunciation, while adults usually perform better in learning grammar and vocabulary through explicit instruction. This article compares second language learning in two age groups – 13-year-old adolescents and adults aged 30 and above. Drawing on the Sensitive Period Hypothesis (Long, 1990) and studies by Muñoz (2019) and Singleton & Pfenninger (2018), the paper examines differences in syntax and phonology acquisition. The analysis shows that although age affects how languages are learned, appropriate teaching methods can help learners of any age achieve high levels of proficiency.