に伴って

年齢 ___ 言語を学ぶ能力は低下する。

The correct answer is 「に伴って」(にともなって), which means "as (something happens/progresses), (something else also happens/changes)." This particle expresses a direct correlation or accompaniment. In the sentence, "As age increases, the ability to learn languages declines," it perfectly describes how the decline in ability occurs in conjunction with aging. Incorrect choices: - 「にかけて」(にかけて) means "over a period of time" or "from X to Y." It indicates a range or duration, not a direct cause-and-effect or correlation with age. - 「について」(について) means "about" or "concerning." It indicates a topic or subject, which doesn't fit the context of age affecting ability. - 「に対して」(にたいして) means "towards," "against," or "in contrast to." It indicates a target, comparison, or opposition, none of which are relevant here. Tip: 「に伴って」is often used for changes that occur in parallel or proportionately with another phenomenon, such as economic growth, technological advancement, or, as here, aging.

正解は「に伴って」です。「〜に伴って」は「〜が起こると、それと同時に／それに比例して、〜も起こる」という変化や相関関係を表します。この文では、年齢の上昇とともに言語学習能力が低下するという関連性を正確に示しています。 他の選択肢: - 「にかけて」は期間や範囲を示し、「について」は話題や対象を、そして「に対して」は対象や対比を示すため、文脈に合いません。