How does it only take a year or so to speak/understand our first language but it’s so much harder to acquire another language?

Question

Like, we have a frame of reference (first language), so why is it so hard to learn another language after that?

In: Other

Answer 1

There’s a concept called neural plasticity. It essentially means how fast our brains can form new pathways and this effects how fast we learn. Your brain is never as flexible as it is the first few years of your life.

So, you very quickly pick up languages as a young child because of that. Coupled with constant immersion in the language.

It’s part of why parents are encouraged to teach young children more than one language if they’re a multi lingual household. As they’ll pick up and retain it the fastest then.

Additionally, neural plasticity also affects how quickly people can overcome trauma. And it’s why things like psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are being tested for treating PTSD. Since it increases neural plasticity and cuts down the time it takes therapy to help people struggling.