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.
What are the main factors that influence the way people learn languages?
About the "Obstacles to EFL Learning" video.
I believe that most of the obstacles this teacher talks about are related to one of the contextual sources of variation, called "Large Culture," which has to do with the social, political, economic and cultural context in which our students live. The problem related to the lack of time to learn the target language is a product of the objectives and goals students have in general, since it has to do with the priorities of society which are reflected on the messures and programmes proposed by the Ministry of Education in that specific country. If it is not a priority for the ministry to dedicate more than 3 hours a week to learn English, then the people is not going to understand its importance and therefore, they are not going to dedicate enough time to learn it in a thorough way.