Reference no: EM133709658

Discussion Post: Language Development

I. Chapter 9 on language development introduced the idea of a critical period to learning language. Erik Lenneberg proposed a hypothesis called the "Critical Period Hypothesis" that states there is a biologically-determined period of time during which language acquisition must occur. Attempts to learn language after puberty (around age 12), according to this hypothesis, will be more difficult and ultimately unsuccessful.

Those who argue in favor of a critical period for learning language often use children who have been deprived of language input and their inability to successfully learn language as the primary evidence

YouTube Video: "The secret case of Genie Wiley, the wild child. TLC Documentary".

II. Those who argue against the critical period for learning language often use evidence from brain development and neuroimaging studies, as well as studies of second language learning. Do you think Lenneberg's critical period hypothesis is supported by research? In your response, briefly tell me what it means to be successful in learning language (i.e., what should the outcome look like with respect to the 5 basic aspects of language) and then provide at least three reasons why you believe the critical period hypothesis is or is not supported by research.