critical period for language acquisition Flashcards
⏳ Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH)
Definition:
The Critical Period Hypothesis suggests that there is a limited window of time during which language acquisition occurs most easily and effectively. After this critical period (usually thought to end around puberty), learning a language becomes significantly harder and less complete.
Key Idea:
Language acquisition is most successful during a specific early period of life.
If a child does not receive appropriate language exposure before this period ends, they may struggle to fully develop linguistic skills.
1️⃣ Evidence #1: The Case of Genie
What happened?
Genie, a girl isolated from human interaction for most of her childhood, was discovered at age 13.
Despite extensive efforts to teach her language, she was unable to fully acquire grammar and syntax, although she could learn vocabulary.
Why it supports the CPH:
Genie’s case suggests that language development can be severely impaired if exposure to language occurs after the critical period.
2️⃣ Evidence #2: Second Language Acquisition
What happens?
Studies have shown that young children (before puberty) are much better at acquiring a second language with native-like pronunciation and grammar.
Adults, however, often struggle to learn a second language fluently, especially in terms of pronunciation and grammar.
Why it supports the CPH:
The success of young children in second language acquisition suggests that there may be a biologically determined critical period for acquiring language fluency.
