Critical period hypothesis

Definition

The critical period hypothesis suggests that there is an optimal window of time during which individuals are best suited to acquire a language, typically thought to occur during early childhood. This theory posits that after this critical period, which may extend until puberty, the ability to learn a language, particularly its phonetics and grammar, significantly declines. Understanding this concept is crucial in discussions about how both first language acquisition and bilingual language acquisition unfold.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The critical period hypothesis was popularized by Eric Lenneberg in 1967, who argued that language acquisition must occur before a certain age for optimal learning.
2. Children exposed to a second language during the critical period typically achieve higher levels of proficiency compared to those who start learning later in life.
3. Research shows that individuals who attempt to learn a language after the critical period may struggle with pronunciation and grammatical structures.
4. Studies of feral children and individuals with restricted language exposure have provided evidence supporting the critical period hypothesis.
5. The concept has implications for education, suggesting that early exposure to multiple languages can enhance bilingual language development.

Review Questions

• How does the critical period hypothesis relate to first language acquisition?
  • The critical period hypothesis indicates that there is a specific timeframe during which children are most capable of acquiring their first language. If they do not receive sufficient linguistic input within this window, they may struggle with aspects like grammar and pronunciation later on. This suggests that early exposure to language is crucial for natural and effective learning.
• In what ways can the critical period hypothesis inform our understanding of bilingual language acquisition?
  • The critical period hypothesis highlights that the timing of exposure to a second language significantly impacts proficiency levels. Children who are introduced to a second language during the critical period are more likely to attain native-like fluency compared to those who start learning later. This understanding helps educators design effective bilingual programs that capitalize on this optimal learning window.
• Evaluate the implications of the critical period hypothesis for educational practices in teaching languages.
  • The critical period hypothesis has significant implications for educational practices, particularly in how languages are taught in schools. It suggests that introducing foreign languages at an early age can lead to better outcomes in terms of fluency and comprehension. Additionally, it encourages educational systems to focus on immersive and interactive methods of instruction during these formative years to take full advantage of children's innate language-learning capabilities.

Related terms

Language Acquisition Device: A theoretical construct proposed by Noam Chomsky, suggesting that humans have an innate ability to acquire language, which is activated during the critical period.

Bilingualism: The ability to use two languages proficiently, which may be influenced by the timing of exposure to each language in relation to the critical period.

Neurolinguistics: The study of how language is represented and processed in the brain, providing insights into how the critical period affects language learning and neural plasticity.