BRAIN PLASTICITY AND CRITICAL PERIODS – IMPLICATIONS FOR LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Sa？etak The paper deals with the infl uence of the age factor on second language acquisition. The role of brain development on second language acquisition will be discussed whereas the term brain plasticity will be introduced. Furthermore, the term critical period will be discussed during which a child acquires a second language or learns a foreign language without any diffi culties. The brain has the ability to modify its own structure and function following changes in the environment. Therefore, it can be concluded that brain plasticity remains a signifi cant lifelong property of the brain which has the ability of generating new neurons wiring together with the rest of the brain. That’s why the brain has to be mentally active all the time in order to retain new neurons. Learning in general and foreign language learning as well is possible due to functional changes in the brain. These notions should be applied to foreign language learning. Foreign language teachers should be familiar with the functions of the brain, brain plasticity and the importance of critical periods for learning. All mentioned issues should be implemented in the teaching process so that teachers could improve their efficiency in the classroom