Is there an ideal age at which to start learning a second language?

In my opinion, there is not an ideal age to start learning a foreign language. I think that always, regardless of age, anyone can start learning a new language because from my point of view, what is most important and relevant is to feel prepared, confident and motivated.

Some people believe children are the best second language learners because they are like sponges and learn everything they hear. In fact, studies have shown that adolescents and adults are in many ways better at learning a foreign language than children, except in the area of pronunciation. This is probably because they are already literate in their first language and can use some of their knowledge about language and language learning when learning the second language.

Also, some specialists in language acquisition claim that the sooner a child starts to learn a second language the better. It certainly seems to make sense that the earlier you start, the longer you will have to learn. However, there is evidence that this is not the case, particularly if the second language comes to take the place of the first language. One researcher talks of the dangers of double semi-lingualism for early learners of a second language. That is, for example, a child that does not develop full proficiency in either of the two languages. And as mentioned above, it has been found that adolescent and older learners of a new language are more efficient learners, so they may need less time to reach the same level of proficiency as younger learners.

To conclude, the answer of the important question, according to current research, is early adolescence, so about 11-13. And the more motivated the child is to learn the new language, the more successful he will be.