In this encore episode, Short Wave host Emily Kwong dissects the "critical period hypothesis," a theory which linguists have been debating for decades — with the help of Sarah Frances Phillips, a Ph.D ...

Contrary to conventional thinking, it's never too late to learn a new language. Use these tips to get started. For more than two years, Dulcie Shoener of Milwaukee has done daily German lessons on her ...

Learning French through a language learning app has helped me connect with my friends, enhance my skills, and more. I’ve tried learning different languages throughout my life, and didn’t have much ...

But an in-depth look at the science behind how language is developed reveals an interesting parallel between the science of reading and second language learning. In fact, the science of reading can ...

Language learning happens in ancient brain circuits that humans share with other animals. The finding, from a meta-analysis of 16 studies that examined how children learn a first language and how ...

Learning a new language is not a skill reserved for translators. Although the US Department of Labor has estimated a steadily rising 42 percent increase in demand for interpreters, it turns out that ...

Learning a new language brings a whole range of interesting benefits, but how can they be applied to academic goals? The truth is there are plenty of ways that picking up a second language can help a ...

A new study suggests that everyday multilingual habits—from chatting with neighbors to revisiting a childhood language—may help preserve memory, attention, and brain flexibility as we age. An ...

The songbird is among the classical species studied as a model for understanding the neurobiology of language. It uses song and vocalization to communicate information for its survival. The songbird’s ...

Why are we asking for donations? Why are we asking for donations? This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for ...

The focus of this section is on strategies to support resettled refugees’ acquisition of the language of the receiving community (often referred to as the target language). Some of the principles and ...