@article{oai:meio-u.repo.nii.ac.jp:00000856,
 author = {Tokeshi, Masanori},
 issue = {7},
 month = {2020-12-03},
 note = {This paper discusses the optimal age for Japanese learners to learn English and implications for English instruction at the elementary school level. It discusses the Critical Period Hypothesis by reviewing previous studies primarily conducted in natural settings. The issue of optimal age for learning English as a second language is considered from the aspects of neurology, term of acquisition, cognition, social and affective factors and physical factors. Previous studies show inconclusive results about the optimal age for learning English. They only agree that younger learners acquire better pronunciation of English. This study also discusses existing early childhood foreign language programs by reviewing bilingual ESL programs and Canadian immersion programs. Further, this study examines current English teaching professional development for elementary school teachers in Japan and provides an insight into English instruction at Japanese elementary schools., application/pdf},
 pages = {15--34},
 title = {The Optimal Age for Learning English as a Second Language and Its Implications for English Education in Japan},
 year = {}
}