Claims for a biologically based schedule for language learning were first advanced 50 years ago. 100+ studies later, debates continue as to the existence, scope and timing of one or more sensitive periods for SLA. At least eight reasons can be identified for the lack of consensus, several of which appear to be without basis. They are discussed, along with ten more positive developments over the past decade, including research into the possibility that the very few learners who achieve near-native L2 abilities do so because of superior language learning aptitude(s).
2021. Age of acquisition – not bilingualism – is the primary determinant of less than nativelike L2 ultimate attainment. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 24:1 ► pp. 18 ff.
DeLuca, Vincent, David Miller, Christos Pliatsikas & Jason Rothman
2019. Brain Adaptations and Neurological Indices of Processing in Adult Second Language Acquisition. In The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism, ► pp. 170 ff.
2019. Cognitive Language Aptitude. Language Learning 69:S1 ► pp. 101 ff.
Doughty, Catherine J.
2021. The Long TBLT Journey. TASK. Journal on Task-Based Language Teaching and Learning 1:2 ► pp. 155 ff.
Dąbrowska, Ewa
2019. Experience, Aptitude, and Individual Differences in Linguistic Attainment: A Comparison of Native and Nonnative Speakers. Language Learning 69:S1 ► pp. 72 ff.
Gisela Granena, Long, Michael H. & Yucel Yilmaz
2016. Major Research Issues in SLA. Brill Research Perspectives in Multilingualism and Second Language Acquisition 1:1 ► pp. 1 ff.
Han, ZhaoHong & Gang Bao
2023. Critical period in second language acquisition: The age-attainment geometry. Frontiers in Physics 11
Hulstijn, Jan H.
2019. An Individual‐Differences Framework for Comparing Nonnative With Native Speakers: Perspectives From BLC Theory. Language Learning 69:S1 ► pp. 157 ff.
HYLTENSTAM, KENNETH
2018. Second language ultimate attainment: Effects of maturation, exercise, and social/psychological factors. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 21:5 ► pp. 921 ff.
Hyltenstam, Kenneth
2020. Critical Period. In The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, ► pp. 1 ff.
Kachinske, Ilina, Peter Osthus, Katya Solovyeva & Mike Long
2018. Maturational constraint or system preservation. International Journal of Applied Linguistics 28:3 ► pp. 451 ff.
Long, Michael H.
2015. First Person Singular: Building the road as we travel. Language Teaching 48:4 ► pp. 561 ff.
Long, Michael H.
2016. Stefano Rastelli: Discontinuity in Second Language Acquisition. The Switch between Statistical and Grammatical Learning.. Applied Linguistics 37:4 ► pp. 590 ff.
LONG, MICHAEL H. & GISELA GRANENA
2018. Sensitive periods and language aptitude in second language acquisition. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition 21:5 ► pp. 926 ff.
Long, Michael H., Gisela Granena & Fátima Montero
2018. What Does Critical Period Research Reveal about Advanced L2 Proficiency?. In The Handbook of Advanced Proficiency in Second Language Acquisition, ► pp. 51 ff.
Long, Michael M.
2017. Instructed second language acquisition (ISLA). Instructed Second Language Acquisition 1:1 ► pp. 7 ff.
Montrul, Silvina
2023. Heritage Languages: Language Acquired, Language Lost, Language Regained. Annual Review of Linguistics 9:1 ► pp. 399 ff.
Muñoz, Carmen
2019. A New Look at “Age”: Young and Old L2 Learners. In The Cambridge Handbook of Language Learning, ► pp. 430 ff.
Paul, Jing Z. & Theres Grüter
2016. Blocking Effects in the Learning of Chinese Classifiers. Language Learning 66:4 ► pp. 972 ff.
Roberts, Leah, Jorge González Alonso, Christos Pliatsikas & Jason Rothman
2018. Evidence from neurolinguistic methodologies: Can it actually inform linguistic/language acquisition theories and translate to evidence-based applications?. Second Language Research 34:1 ► pp. 125 ff.
Singleton, David
2023. Bilingualism and Age. In The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, ► pp. 1 ff.
2015. Trajectories of English Acquisition among Foreign-born Spanish-Language Children in the United States. International Migration Review 49:4 ► pp. 981 ff.
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 14 november 2023. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers.
Any errors therein should be reported to them.