9722613 paulinna
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The optimal starting age for
second language learning :
The case of Hong Kong
Presenter : Shiao- Wei Paulinna Cheng
Instructor : Dr. Pi- Ying Teresa Hsu
Date : Oct. 27, 20081
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SZE, P.(1994) The optimal starting age for
second language learning: The case of
Hong Kong. Journal of Primary
Education,4 (2),49-54.
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Content
1. Introduction
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2. A critical period for SLA?
3. Long term and qualitative differences
4. Research constraints
5. Findings
6. Personal reflection
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The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss
the literature on age-related differences in second
language acquisition (SLA), with a view to
obtaining insights which might inform our decision
making in Hong Kong.
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Introduction
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A critical period for SLA
As far as the present discussion is concerned,
students who start at age eight will be able to
acquire English as a foreign language.
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There is more reason to believe that the older
instructed learner, whose cognitive ability is more
developed, will fare better than the younger learner
in the second language classroom.
(Ervin, 1974)
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Long term and qualitative differences
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The crucial comparison is between the language
proficiency of learners of two age groups who
have learnt the second language for the same
period of time.
(Cook,1986)
Long term and qualitative differences
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Time
The duration of learning
The time of the age which learning start
The definition of time
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Research constraints
While Primary 4 starters may initially progress
faster than Primary1 starters, there is a lack of
conclusive evidence supporting the Primary 4
starters will continued superiority in the long term.
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Findings
In some areas, it is the late immersion students
who perform better.
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Hong Kong
CantoneseChinese
Reading and writing speaking
Example: Hong Kong
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Findings
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Taiwan
Chinese
Reading and writing speaking
Example: Taiwan
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Findings
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Level
subject
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
English
Chinese
Example: Hong Kong
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Findings
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• Mother language plays an important role.
• The politics in a country may effect it’s
educational policy.
Personal reflection
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monolingual
bilingual
Text book written in English
Text book written in Chinese
Schools in
1997
Hong Kong
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Thanks for your attention!
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