Second Language Acquisition and the Critical Period Hypothesis

not in a formal learning context. But whether it is itself a key field, or whether it simply takes us into other areas which are key fields, further research into the relationship between age and language learning is likely to help us delve deeper into the mysteries of the mechanisms of second language acquisition.

Birdsong's collection of papers describes a waystage--or rather, a series of different waystages on different roads--in research and speculation on the CPH issue. It is a significant publication, and important reading for those who need to keep up-to-date with second language acquisition research.

References

Hoffmann, H. S. (1997). Imprinting: A brief description. Available: http://www.animatedsoftware.com/family/howardsh/imprint.htm

Krashen, S. D. (1985). The input hypothesis: Issues and implications. London & New York: Longman.

Tim Caudery University of Aarhus, Denmark

《Second Language Acquisition and the Critical Period Hypothesis》