how can babies/toddlers learn virtually any language on earth from easy ones such as spanish or english to hardcores like chinese or arab? Why is it so difficult when you are an adult?
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I taught EFL for 10 years and learned Korean as an adult.
The human brain develops throughout childhood, with the last stages of development being in the mid 20s. In the early stages, the brain’s native language capacities develop. Children learn almost everything through imitation, and language is no exception. As the brain’s power to receive and produce spoken and written language increases, children naturally absorb the langauge(s) spoken around them. They do not actually need to be taught grammar rules or phonics in order to use the langauge.
At some age that is different for everyone, this langauge-learning ability decreases. From that point on, your native language is processed in a different way than any other languages you learn. Other langauges have to be learned through memorization and practice, and you need the grammar rules and phonics in order to use the langauge. Other languages are also all part of the same cognitive process, separate from your native language. This is why, when learning two foreign languages, you may mix them up.
I can try to dig up sources if you want, but that is my understanding.
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