Nature and nurture of language development

Question 1

Describe language ability

Answer 1

Appears in the first three years of life

Across different languages and cultures

Innate ability

Question 2

What is specific language impairment (SLI)

Answer 2

Communication disorder

Present with no hearing loss or intellectual disability

Common developmental disorder = (7-8% of pre-schoolers)

The impact persists into adulthood

Question 3

Describe the prevalence of language ability and disability

Answer 3

75% typical language + typical nonverbal IQ

12% = typical langue + low nonverbal IQ

8% = low language + typical nonverbal IQ

5% = low on both