The Influence of Age on Accent Acquisition when Immigrating to the US

The Influence of Age on Accent Acquisition when Immigrating to the US

Children younger than 12 years of age who come to the US typically do not develop noticeable accents and often speak English with a natural fluency, treating it as their native language. However, statistics indicate that after the age of 12, acquiring a native-like accent becomes increasingly challenging, with very few individuals completely eliminating their accent. This article explores the impact of age on accent acquisition in the context of immigrating to the US.

Age as a Determinant of Accent Acquisition

Research and personal observations suggest that the age at which one moves to a new country significantly influences their ability to speak without an accent. A statistical border line is generally acknowledged at around the age of 12. Younger children, especially those under 6, tend to adopt the language of their new country with minimal to no accent. Their brains are more malleable and receptive to new sounds and intonations, allowing them to integrate these without interference from their first language.

Profound Impact of Early Immersion

Children brought to the US under the age of 10 often speak with native-like fluency, blending seamlessly into their new environment. This is exemplified by several friends and studies, where children born in or immigrating to the US before the age of 10 display minimal to no accent. For instance, in my own family, our son, born in Toronto, speaks with a distinctly central-western Canadian accent, without any trace of a foreign accent. This illustrates the remarkable impact of early immersion on language acquisition.

Older Age and Accent Retention

As children grow older, typically after the age of 12, the likelihood of retaining their native accent increases. This is supported by numerous cases where children who immigrate to the US around or after the age of 10 develop a noticeable accent, often closely resembling that of their first language. This trend can be attributed to the diminishing plasticity of the brain, which slows down language acquisition and expression.

The Role of Community and Environment

While age is a significant factor, the environment and community of the immigrant child also play crucial roles. A child living in a community where their native language is widely spoken is more likely to retain some of that accent. This can further complicate the process of learning a new, native-like accent in the target language.

Case Studies

A study by the University of Michigan found that children who are exposed to multiple languages in their early years are more likely to develop a competent bilingualism without an accent, provided they are immersed in a monolingual environment. For example, my late wife and I were both born in Hungary. While she arrived in the US at 18, maintaining a distinct Hungarian accent, my native English is slightly influenced by southern English phonetics. Our son, born in Canada, speaks with no discernible accent, reflecting his early immersion in a monolingual Canadian environment.

Conclusion

In summary, the age at which a child immigrates to a new country significantly impacts their ability to acquire a native-like accent. While age serves as a statistical boundary, other factors such as community and environment can also influence this process. Although it is challenging for older children to fully eliminate their accent, it is possible to significantly reduce it with consistent practice and exposure to the new language.

Related Topics

Age factor in language acquisition Bilingualism and accent variation Impact of community on accent development