Simon Showed Grammatical Mastery for the Rules of American Sign

question 166

Multiple Choice

Simon showed grammatical mastery for the rules of American Sign Language, even though his teachers (his parents and their friends) did not. This lends support for the idea that

• A) there is no sensitive period for learning language.
• B) ASL cannot be taught to children after the age of 9.
• C) the tendency to acquire language is inborn.
• D) a child can learn grammatically incorrect ASL, even if the parents model correct usage.

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Definitions:

Vicarious Liability

A legal concept where one party is held responsible for the actions or negligence of another party, often seen in employer-employee relationships.

Tortious Conduct

Behavior that causes injury or harm to another, making the actor liable to civil legal action.

Reasonable Care

A legal standard that requires individuals to act with the caution and prudence that a reasonable person would use in similar circumstances, to prevent harm to others.

Liable

Being legally responsible or obligated to face the consequences of one's actions, typically in a civil lawsuit.