Michael H. Long
Maturational Constraints on Language Development
University of Hawai?i at M?noa
article reviews second language research agerelated differences well first language work needed disambiguate findings five conclusions drawn initial rate acquisition ultimate level attainment depend part age learning begins b sensitive periods governing language development first second acquisition different linguistic abilities successful irregular incomplete c agerelated loss ability cumulative catastrophic onetime event affecting first one linguistic domain another limited phonology deterioration individuals begins early age 6not puberty often claimed e affective input current cognitive explanations reduced ability inadequate capacity language development maturationally constrained decline probably reflects progressive loss neural plasticity possibly associated increasing myelination