THE EFFECTS OF THE AGE OF ONSET ON VOCABULARY ACQUISITION IN THE SECOND LANGUAGE

Abstract

http://dx.doi.org/10.7220/2335-2027.5.9

Bilingualism is no longer for the elite and highly educated. It is becoming a necessity for survival in modern society. Therefore, school systems around the world are implementing mandatory foreign language programs. However, the question of the best time to start a child learning a second language is still debated. This study examined a group of early onset sequential bilinguals and a group of late onset sequential bilinguals in an EFL setting for differences in vocabulary development, keeping the length of foreign language education constant. The results of this study suggest that age of onset may not have an impact on vocabulary acquisition. However, this study was done on a small scale. A larger scale study with modifications in the measurement instruments is recommended before definitive conclusions can be made.