image
FIGURE 8.6 Our ability to learn a new language diminishes with age Young children have a readiness to learn language. Ten years after coming to the United States, Asian immigrants took an English grammar test. Those who arrived before age 8 understood American English grammar as well as native speakers did. Those who arrived later did not. (Data from Johnson & Newport, 1991.)
A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star/AP Photo