Short Wave: Learning A Second Language As An Adult

Host: Emily Kwong and Maddie
Guest: Sara Phillips, PhD Student in Linguistics, New York University
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of NPR’s Short Wave, hosts Emily Kwong and Maddie delve into the complexities and science of learning a second language as an adult. Emily shares her personal journey of learning Mandarin Chinese, setting the stage for a rich discussion on bilingualism, neural plasticity, and the challenges adults face when acquiring a new language.

Personal Stories and Motivation

Emily kickstarts the conversation by sharing a heartfelt family anecdote. She reminisces about a Kwong family home movie from her childhood, highlighting the bilingual environment she grew up in—speaking both English and Mandarin Chinese with her grandparents during holidays.

Emily Kwong [01:19]: "There are two languages being spoken by our family. There's English, but there's also Mandarin Chinese."

Despite her early exposure, Emily admits that her Mandarin was limited to basic phrases until her adult years, prompting her to embark on the journey of learning the language more seriously.

Emily Kwong [01:52]: "All year, I've been taking Mandarin classes virtually... am I too old to try?"

Expert Insights: Language Acquisition

To shed light on the science behind second language acquisition, Emily and Maddie invite Sara Phillips, a neuro linguist from NYU, to discuss the cognitive processes involved in becoming bilingual.

Sara Phillips [04:03]: "Bilingualism gets studied in at least three different fields. Linguistics, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience."

Sara shares her own background as a bilingual individual, emphasizing the significance of language in connecting with family and cultural roots.

Sara Phillips [04:39]: "Learning Korean was very important to be able to communicate with my mom's side of the family... speaking African American English was very important... for my dad's side of the family."

The Critical Period Hypothesis

A central theme of the episode is the Critical Period Hypothesis—the theory that there is an optimal window during childhood for language acquisition. Emily explores whether this theory restricts adults from achieving fluency in a new language.

Emily Kwong [06:09]: "The critical period hypothesis... there's a biological window where language learning is the most automatic."

Sara explains the origins of this theory, drawing parallels with studies on zebra finches, which lose the ability to mimic calls after a certain age.

Sara Phillips [06:37]: "In zebra finches... they have to learn certain songs... These calls are important for communicating certain things..."

While acknowledging the challenges, Sara and Emily discuss how the brain remains capable of forming new neural connections beyond the critical period, albeit with increased effort.

Emily Kwong [09:03]: "In the first three years of life, your brain was developing 1 million new neural connections per second... Your brain doesn't stop building neural connections after your pubescent."

Sara Phillips [09:33]: "The critical window should actually be called a sensitive window... easier and even optimal to learn languages."

Overcoming Challenges in Adult Language Learning

The hosts address the practical difficulties adults encounter, such as ingrained speech habits and pronunciation issues. Sara emphasizes that while challenges exist, they are not insurmountable.

Sara Phillips [10:10]: "Most scientists agree that this process becomes more difficult with age because your body, including your brain, has already developed certain habits."

Emily shares her personal struggles with Mandarin pronunciation, a common hurdle for adult learners of tonal languages.

Emily Kwong [11:03]: "Mandarin is a tonal language, and some of these tones my mouth has never made before."

Sara reassures that striving for native-like pronunciation is unnecessary and that effective communication is the primary goal.

Sara Phillips [12:46]: "You might not ever actually become native like in your pronunciation. But that shouldn't be something people stress over."

Pronunciation and Identity

The episode delves into the relationship between language learning, pronunciation, and personal identity. Emily reflects on letting go of the pursuit of flawless pronunciation to embrace her unique linguistic identity.

Emily Kwong [13:14]: "I can let go of the idea of sounding just like my grandparents... I long to be understood."

Sara reinforces this perspective by highlighting that language use is intertwined with one’s identity, making the fear of imperfect pronunciation less significant.

Sara Phillips [13:28]: "Are you saying it well enough to be understood? That should be really the threshold upon which you want to cross."

Conclusion: Personal Reflections and Takeaways

Wrapping up the episode, Emily expresses gratitude for her family's influence and the personal fulfillment she gains from learning Mandarin as a tribute to her grandparents.

Emily Kwong [13:58]: "My grandma was trying to teach me Mandarin in the years before she and my grandfather died. So I feel like I kind of owe it to them to try."

Maddie commends Emily’s dedication, reinforcing the message that while adult language learning is challenging, it is both achievable and deeply rewarding.

Maddie [14:18]: "Emily, thank you so much for bringing us a story that's as personal as it gets. Your heritage, your family, your brain chemistry. Thank you."

Key Takeaways

• Bilingualism Across Lifespans: While early childhood is optimal for language acquisition, adults can still successfully learn new languages with dedication and practice.
• Neural Plasticity: The adult brain retains the ability to form new neural connections, facilitating language learning beyond the so-called critical period.
• Overcoming Pronunciation Challenges: Adults may struggle with pronunciation and accent, but effective communication remains achievable without striving for perfection.
• Cultural and Personal Motivation: Learning a language can be a profound way to connect with one's heritage and honor familial relationships.

This episode of Short Wave offers a compelling blend of personal narrative and scientific insight, making the journey of adult language learning both relatable and inspiring for listeners.