STUDENTS who begin learning English as a second language from an early age understand the language with less brain activity than those who start later, The Japan Times has reported.

University of Tokyo professor Kuniyoshi Sakai and other researchers conducted the study on 12 junior and senior high school students who have been taking English classes every day since the first grade and 18 students who started learning English in junior high school. In comparing the two groups, the researchers found more brain activity among the late learners, especially those with good scores. On the contrary, less activity was observed among the early learners, especially among those who scored well.

According to Sakai, the results indicate that the brain becomes more efficient in energy-saving as one attains a higher proficiency level in English.

In recent years, many Japanese parents have begun sending their children to English classes as early as possible. The Japanese Ministry of Education is planning to start teaching English to third-graders on a trial basis at several hundred elementary schools nationwide in 2009. The compulsory English education courses for fifth and sixth grade primary school students will begin in 2011. Primary schools will provide 35 45-minute foreign language lessons per year focusing on English speaking and listening.

However, some Japanese experts have voiced concern about starting foreign language education at an early age and oppose teaching English in elementary schools. Critics say it will not be helpful for children to attempt to master a language with only limited hours. And they worry that elementary school teachers inexperienced in teaching foreign languages might end up teaching improper English.