Final answer:
Having knowledge of two or more languages can enhance the learning of an additional language through accelerated vocabulary acquisition, a deeper understanding of language structures, heightened sensitivity to nuances, and more efficient communication strategies. Research supports that multilingual individuals have advantages in language acquisition due to a biological predisposition and the benefits of bilingual education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knowledge of two or more pre-existing languages can significantly influence the acquisition of an additional language in several ways:
- Accelerated vocabulary acquisition: Understanding the etymology and structure of words in known languages can facilitate the learning of similar words in a new language.
- Enhanced understanding of language structures: Prior knowledge of grammar and syntax from other languages can provide a framework to grasp new language rules more easily.
- Heightened sensitivity to language nuances: Multilingual individuals may be more attuned to subtle aspects of language use, such as idiomatic expressions, tone, and connotations.
- More efficient communication strategies: Being multilingual can lead to the development of more effective methods for learning and using additional languages.
Psychological research, including studies by Chomsky (1965) and Johnson & Newport (1989), suggests that humans have a biological predisposition for language acquisition. Furthermore, research from Johns Hopkins University (Slavin et al. 2008) shows that bilingual education leads to better progress than monolingual instruction.