Question about the number of languages one can learn

Thu Feb 8 13:44:15 UTC 2007

Dear Info-Childes--

Can anyone point me to sources which say how many languages average 
individuals *can* learn?  It is a question I am often asked and I can 
only find apocrypha. Apparently, the U.S. Dept of State (?) has a 
circular for diplomats on living abroad which puts the limit on 
comfortable early learning at four languages, but I have been unable to 
find it.

Can anyone help me find that document, or something similar?

Thank you, as ever,

Barbara Pearson
**************************************************
Barbara Zurer Pearson, Ph.D
Center for the Study of African American Language
(CSAAL) Research Associate, Coordinator
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA 01003

Tel: 413.545.5023

bpearson at research.umass.edu
http://www.umass.edu/aae/