Which of the following is false regarding significant differences between L1 acquisition and late L2 acquisition?

1) L1 learners are generally cognitively undeveloped, whereas late L2 learners are cognitively developed.
2) All L1 learners and late L2 learners will attain high proficiency regardless.
3) L1 learners are generally insensitive to correction, whereas late L2 learners are more sensitive to correction.
4) L1 learners learn the language effortlessly, whereas late L2 learners have to demonstrate lots of effort.

The false statement among those provided is that all L1 learners and late L2 learners will attain high proficiency regardless. L1 learners generally reach high proficiency, whereas late L2 learners exhibit substantial variability in their proficiency levels. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 2) All L1 learners and late L2 learners will attain high proficiency regardless.

Explanation:

The question asks which statement is false regarding the differences between first language (L1) acquisition and late second language (L2) acquisition. Comparatively, L1 acquisition occurs during early childhood when cognitive processes are still developing, and it is generally a natural and effortless process. Conversely, late L2 acquisition involves a cognitively developed individual, often requiring a significant amount of conscious effort. Sensitivity to correction is also typically higher in late L2 learners than in L1 learners, who may not readily integrate corrective feedback into their language use. However, the assertion that all L1 learners and late L2 learners will attain high proficiency regardless is false. Research by Newport and Johnson indicates that early L1 learners almost universally reach high proficiency, while late L2 learners show considerable variability in their language acquisition outcomes.