Researchers exploring a possible critical period for learning a second language examine "early" versus "late" second-language learners:

Question

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Researchers explore "early" versus "late" second-language learners to control for the confounding factor of "age of acquisition" with "years of exposure and practice." This is because an individual who starts learning a second language at an early age may have also been exposed to and practiced the language for longer periods of time, which could impact their language proficiency, rather than simply being due to the age at which they started learning the language. Therefore, differentiating between "early" versus "late" second-language learners helps researchers understand the critical period for learning a second language more accurately.

Researchers Exploring a Possible Critical Period for Learning a Second