The most important demographic factors that influence language learning are Age and Gender. The first one has to do with the fact that there is a very important theory called Critical Period Hypothesis, which suggests that “only those who had begun learning a second language before the age of fifteen could ever achieve full, native-like mastery of that language” (Spada and Lightbrown 2006, 69.) Indeed, it is believed that up to the stage of adolescence, the human brain is biologically predisposed to acquire language. This is because during that time, there is a specific part of the brain which is designed for processing language. After that period, other parts of the brain take charge of language learning, therefore other processes are involved and different outcomes are seen. For instance, young learners pick up the sounds and expressions very quickly, while adults are more accurate in terms of the syntax and morphology.If you wish to learn more about the Critical Period Hypothesis, its evidences, implications in language learning, differences between children and adults, and teaching aspects CLICK HERE
In the case of gender, studies have demonstrated that females are superior in terms of their verbal skills, while males are very good at using their spatial skills. These different types of intelligence affect female and male learning styles, and that is why females tend to be more visual, while men tend to be more kinesthetic. Men are also more analytical and individualistic, while women are more imaginative and collective learners.
