Are Kids Really Better at Learning Languages Than Adults?

Many people believe that children pick up new languages faster than adults. But is this really true? At Dinolingo, we hear this question often, especially from parents who want to make the most of their child’s early years. While children certainly have some clear advantages in learning a second language, the full picture is a bit more complex.

The Myth: Kids Are Naturally Faster Learners

It’s a common assumption that young children “soak up” a second language with ease. However, researchers such as Collier (1989) and Bialystok & Hakuta (1994) point out that children often appear to learn faster because the language they need is simpler. Adults, in contrast, are expected to use more complex vocabulary and grammar.

Many children from immigrant families are also surrounded by their second language all day—at school, in the neighborhood, and with peers—while adults might only use the new language in limited settings. This greater exposure and context give children a head start that’s often mistaken for a natural learning advantage.

When Are Adults Better at Language Learning?

Surprisingly, older learners often do better when it comes to verbal analysis, grammar rules, and deep language tasks. Their cognitive development and life experience allow them to make sense of complex structures and use logic to solve language puzzles. They also have strong reading and writing skills to support their learning.

According to Bongaerts et al. (1997), adults may outperform children in academic or formal learning settings, especially when learning takes place through reading, grammar, and structured instruction.

The Real Advantage: Sound and Pronunciation

Where children shine is in pronunciation and listening. Research shows that there’s a “critical period” for learning the sounds of a new language, peaking around age 6 and ending by age 12 (Penfield & Roberts, 1959; Lenneberg, 1967).

Young children can pronounce unfamiliar sounds more easily because:

• Their oral muscles are more flexible.
• Their brains are more plastic and open to forming new language patterns.
• They haven’t yet fully formed their native sound categories, so they can create new ones.

For example, Ellen Bialystok (2001) found that after age 5, children stop building new sound categories and start modifying what they already know—making it harder to learn tricky new sounds.

What About Other Theories?

Some experts suggest that children’s small soft palates, excellent memory for new words, and ability to hear subtle sound differences (like between English, French, and Arabic “r” sounds) give them an edge. But so far, these ideas haven’t been widely proven through scientific testing.

What’s the Final Verdict?

So, do children really learn faster? It depends.

• For pronunciation and listening? Yes, younger is often better.
• For grammar, reading, and writing? Older learners often do just as well—or even better.
• For long-term success? Consistent practice, motivation, and exposure matter more than age.

How Dinolingo Supports Language Learning for All Ages

At Dinolingo, we know that kids ages 2–14 benefit from fun, immersive, and age-appropriate lessons. That’s why our program offers over 50 languages with interactive videos, songs, games, and stories. Each lesson is designed to match your child’s developmental level—whether they’re a toddler just discovering new sounds or a middle-schooler building fluency.

Available on web, iOS, and Android (plus offline!), Dinolingo supports both early exposure and long-term learning with reward systems, progress tracking, and a parent dashboard. Learning a language becomes a fun adventure your child will look forward to every day.

Conclusion: Age Matters, But It’s Not Everything

Young children may have an edge in pronunciation, but language learning is a journey that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether your child is 3, 10, or just getting started, what matters most is their exposure, consistency, and the joy they feel along the way. With the right tools, anyone can become a successful language learner.