Which description matches a person who begins to learn a second language after puberty?

Which description matches a person who begins to learn a second language after puberty?

• A. A Person Who Begins to Learn a Second Language After the Onset of Puberty
• B. A Person Who Learns a Second Language Before Puberty
• C. A Person Who Is a Native Speaker of English
• D. A Person Who Cannot Learn a Second Language

Answer: (A)

Age of onset is the factor this item targets. A person who begins to learn a second language after puberty is a late onset learner. This description captures the situation where exposure and instruction begin after the period when language learning is typically most effortless for pronunciation and intuitive grammar. While late starters can achieve strong overall proficiency with sustained practice and instruction, they often face more challenges in attaining native-like pronunciation compared with those who start earlier. The other descriptions describe starting before puberty, being a native speaker, or being unable to learn, which do not match the scenario of beginning after puberty.

Age of onset is the factor this item targets. A person who begins to learn a second language after puberty is a late onset learner. This description captures the situation where exposure and instruction begin after the period when language learning is typically most effortless for pronunciation and intuitive grammar. While late starters can achieve strong overall proficiency with sustained practice and instruction, they often face more challenges in attaining native-like pronunciation compared with those who start earlier. The other descriptions describe starting before puberty, being a native speaker, or being unable to learn, which do not match the scenario of beginning after puberty.