Tag Archives: Language

Critical Period for Language Acquisition

Imagine being isolated, deprived of basic rights, and abused for accidentally making a slight noise. In 1970, the theory of a critical period for language acquisition was tested when a social worker found Genie, a 13-year-old girl, isolated, abused, and underdeveloped. A critical period is a window of time in development for an organism to learn an ability. It is said that after this period, the chances of acquiring the ability are very low if any and after a certain age the ability stays at the same level.

The best time to learn a certain ability is called a critical period.

For language acquisition, this critical period is estimated to be from the age of two to puberty. Well if everyone reaches puberty at different times then isn’t it possible for this critical period to be different in everyone if it does exist at all? Genie, also known as the Wild Child, emerged from isolation after puberty with no linguistic performance and was said to have the mental capabilities of a one year old. So doctors and psychologists had to work with her to improve her mobility, and cognitive function.

The first publicly released picture of Genie at the age of 13.

With their help, Genie learned how to form short sentences of three to four words having the communication abilities of a toddler by the age of 16. This shows that Genie counteracts the theory of the critical period for language acquisition. Meaning that learning language skills is still possible after reaching puberty. From other research, it is also clear that at a younger age learning a language is easier but there is no evidence of strict boundaries for the critical period. The critical period for learning language should either be revised to have new boundaries or dismissed all together.

Some researchers actually prefer calling it a ‘sensitive’ instead of a ‘critical’ period. This might be more accurate as a sensitive period is defined as an extended period after which learning is still possible. I think having a sensitive period for language acquisition would be more appropriate in Genie’s case as she still learned language skills after puberty.

The theory of a critical period for language acquisition still influences much of the research based in developmental and behavioural psychology that occurs today. It is especially prominent in neurological research for the development of the brain and for cognitive mapping. So, if the critical period theory still influences some research today and it is clearly unreliable in Genie’s case then shouldn’t this theory be tested and researched to a much greater extent?

By: Sukhvir Toor