Final answer:
A child is unlikely to develop native language proficiency in a second language if they start learning it after the critical period of language acquisition, which typically ends around puberty. Early in life,
Step-by-step explanation:
When a child learns a second language after the critical period of language acquisition, which typically ends around puberty, they are unlikely to develop native language proficiency. This period is marked by a heightened ability for a child to acquire language skills rapidly and intuitively.
Theorists like Noam Chomsky suggest that we are born with a biological predisposition to acquire a language, and the concept of a language acquisition device (LAD) backs this up. Studies have shown that children mastering a language is a natural process that occurs with ease during the early years of life.
After the critical period, learning a new language becomes more challenging and usually requires more deliberate effort and instruction.
Furthermore, research illustrates that being bilingual does not impede the language development process. In fact, students with bilingual education can progress better than those educated in only one language. This negates the idea that learning more than one language at a young age slows down language learning. Thus, to reach native-like proficiency in a second language, it is ideal to start learning before the critical period of language acquisition has passed.