By what age do most individuals achieve language competency equivalent to a native speaker?

Most individuals typically achieve language competency equivalent to a native speaker by the age of 5 years. This is a crucial period known as the critical period for language development, during which children are particularly adept at acquiring language skills. By around the age of 5, children generally have a good grasp of vocabulary, sentence structure, and the ability to engage in conversation. They can communicate effectively with others, demonstrating a level of linguistic proficiency that is similar to that of their peers who are native speakers.

During this developmental stage, children are not only learning to speak but also to understand and process complex language concepts. This foundational period sets the stage for further language development, academic success, and social interaction. While some nuances of language and literacy continue to develop beyond this age, the essential competencies are typically in place by the time a child reaches 5 years.