Hi, I am 18 years old, and I was born in Colombia. I was adopted when I was 1 1/2 yrs old. My adopted parents speak English and are white. I took Spanish in High School and I am taking it now in College. It comes easy to me and I even teach myself, because the classes go slow. I am obviously not fluent in Spanish, since I am taking classes still. I was wondering if hearing Spanish when I was an infant made a difference in how I learn now or even when I just hear Spanish now, does hearing it trigger something in my subconscious or something? Also, does this mean that it's easier for me to learn the language? And/or faster. People say I am a good writer and have a good take on the Eng lang, and people say that I have an accent, but I don't think so, after all those years? Thanks, I am just interested, I couldn't find studies or info on the internet

Have you ever studied languages other than Spanish and English? You may be one of those lucky individuals who picks up languages easily. Since you are a good writer, this explanation makes sense to me. I will Google and check into Libraryland to find out what research there might be regarding your question.

Ok. The best way to do this would be for you to go to a college or public library reference desk and ask a reference librarian to help you research the questions that you posted here. Good keyword searches on FirstSearch, which can include journal articles as well as books, should give you some positive results. It would be best if you see the article and book titles as they pop up on the screen and be able to tag them as good possibilities.

Native Language Governs the Way Toddlers Interpret Speech Sounds, According to Penn Study :.: Lingformant - Science news and articles in Linguistics (http://lingformant.vertebratesilence.com/2007/10/04/native-language-governs-the-way-toddlers-interpret-speech-sounds-according-to-penn-study/)

Try this link.
Maybe not exactly what you are looking for.

EDIT::
This is an interesting article.
New Language Learning Linked To Early Language Experience (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/05/020502072204.htm)
"People have always thought that the human capacity to learn language simply disappears as the brain ages," she said. "Our research shows that when the young brain learns language, it develops a lifelong capacity to learn language. When the young brain does not experience language, this language learning capacity does not fully develop."