Why do students with a strong academic background find it easier in second language acquisition?

Students with a strong academic background often find it easier to acquire a second language because they have already developed a robust framework of knowledge and concepts in their first language. This foundation allows them to associate new vocabulary and grammatical structures in the second language with concepts they are already familiar with. For instance, if a student understands the concept of "democracy" in their first language, learning the term in their second language becomes simpler as they can quickly make the connection.

This ability to relate new information to existing knowledge is crucial in language learning. It not only aids in vocabulary acquisition but also helps in understanding complex grammatical rules and cultural nuances. Therefore, having a strong academic background provides students with the cognitive tools and structures necessary to integrate a second language more seamlessly into their existing knowledge base.