Is There a Critical Period for Language? When the Sad

question 230

Essay

Is there a critical period for language? When the sad story of Genie was broadcast on television, many people wondered what the future would hold for a 13-year-old girl who had survived on minimal physical care. What did psychologists learn about language acquisition through their efforts to teach language to Genie? In what ways does Genie's story illustrate some drawbacks to the case study method?

---

Definitions:

External Acoustic Meatus

The external passage of the ear leading to the tympanic membrane, or eardrum.

Auditory Canal

The tube that runs from the outer ear to the middle ear, transmitting sound waves collected by the ear's auricle (outer part) to the tympanic membrane.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that plays a key role in the sense of hearing by converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Endolymph

A fluid contained within the membranous labyrinth of the ear, playing a key role in hearing and balance.