Summary:

Lisa Keble, a language specialist explains to Alexander and Lisa how children acquire language.

Alexander is in the middle of a live show in a radio studio. He is interviewing Lisa Keble, a language specialist. Listen to their conversation and answer the question that follows about the main idea.

Alexander: Welcome back to Languages around the Globe Show. I’m Alexander Smith and Lisa Keble is here with us again today to discuss children’s acquisition of language. Just how many languages can a child pick up until the age of three without getting confused?

Lisa: Children can become fluent in as many as 7 languages provided that significant people in their lives speak the target languages to them. You see, it’s really important for children to associate each language with a different person.

Alexander: Well, family members qualify as significant people in children’s lives, don’t they?

Lisa: I sure hope so!

Learning English Podcasts: Lesson 7 1

Alexander: What other factors play a role in successfully acquiring a language?

Lisa: I’ve seen that exposure to various languages through songs, movies, and games, makes a world of difference.

Alexander: Oh, I wish I’d grown up in a multi-cultural environment. I wouldn’t have to struggle so much now with foreign languages.

Lisa: Well, it’s always easier for kids! They are more at ease and not

really afraid of making mistakes. We, on the other hand, feel so self-conscious and are so terrified of losing face.

Alexander: I know exactly what you mean! I’ll never set foot in that restaurant again after thanking the owner in my broken Italian for a dreadful evening, instead of the delightful meal I had.