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Article published In: Journal of Second Language Pronunciation
Vol. 11:3 (2025) ► pp.423–447

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Age still matters after early adulthood

ORCiD logo with link | Simon Fraser University
 | University of Alberta
 | University of Texas at Austin
Published online: 1 September 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jslp.25021.mun
Abstract
The role of age in second-language acquisition has provoked much debate and research, especially with respect to pronunciation. However, little emphasis has been placed on acquisition between early adulthood and middle age. We examined combined speaking and listening proficiency scores from 1,992 immigrants to Canada with ages of arrival (AOA) ranging from 15 to 50 and a mean of 5 years of Canadian residence. Eleven diverse L1 groups were represented, and proficiency was measured via the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) assessment tool. Mixed-effects statistical modelling indicated a strong negative relationship between AOA and CLB test scores. In general, older learners were less likely to obtain higher test scores, with the effect varying across L1 groups. In contrast, no evidence emerged of a meaningful relationship between length of residence and proficiency scores.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Studies of L2 learning in adulthood
    • 1.2Rationale for the present study
  • 2.Material and methods
    • 2.1Case selection
      • 2.1.1Age of arrival in Canada
      • 2.1.2Length of Canadian residence
      • 2.1.3L1
    • 2.2Approach to analysis
  • 3.Results
    • 3.1Descriptive statistics and plots
    • 3.2Exploratory models
    • 3.3Troubleshooting
  • 4.Discussion
    • 4.1Broader significance
  • 5.Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Endnotes
  • References
References (43)
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