Language acquisition: Difference between revisions
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An interesting example of this is the case of Genie, otherwise known as "The Wild Child". A thirteen year old victim of child abuse, Genie was discovered in her home on November 4th, 1970, strapped to a potty chair and entirely without language. Her father had judged her retarded at birth and had chosen to isolate her, and so she had remained up until her discovery. It was an ideal (albeit horrifying) opportunity to test the theory that a nurturing environment could somehow make up for a total lack of language past the age of 12. Sadly, she was unable to acquire language completely, progressing only so far as "Applesauce buy store" and "Spot chew glove". She eventually ended up in an adult foster care home. |
An interesting example of this is the case of Genie, otherwise known as "The Wild Child". A thirteen year old victim of child abuse, Genie was discovered in her home on November 4th, 1970, strapped to a potty chair and entirely without language. Her father had judged her retarded at birth and had chosen to isolate her, and so she had remained up until her discovery. It was an ideal (albeit horrifying) opportunity to test the theory that a nurturing environment could somehow make up for a total lack of language past the age of 12. Sadly, she was unable to acquire language completely, progressing only so far as "Applesauce buy store" and "Spot chew glove". She eventually ended up in an adult foster care home. |
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Revision as of 02:43, 27 December 2001
The manner in which a child acquires language is a matter long debated by linguists and child psychologists alike. The prevailing opinion, (I think), is that language acquisition results from both nurture and nature. Basically, the child learns through its natural ability to organize the laws of language, but cannot fully utilize this talent without the presence of other humans. This does not mean, however, that the child requires formal tutelage of any sort. However, the crucial period of language acquisition ends around the age of 12 years. It is believed that if no language is learned before then, it can never be learned in a normal and fully-functional sense.
An interesting example of this is the case of Genie, otherwise known as "The Wild Child". A thirteen year old victim of child abuse, Genie was discovered in her home on November 4th, 1970, strapped to a potty chair and entirely without language. Her father had judged her retarded at birth and had chosen to isolate her, and so she had remained up until her discovery. It was an ideal (albeit horrifying) opportunity to test the theory that a nurturing environment could somehow make up for a total lack of language past the age of 12. Sadly, she was unable to acquire language completely, progressing only so far as "Applesauce buy store" and "Spot chew glove". She eventually ended up in an adult foster care home.
See also: