The Text Reports the Case of a Girl Named Genie,who

question 105

Multiple Choice

The text reports the case of a girl named Genie,who was exposed to virtually no language from the age of 20 months until the age of 13.In what way does Genie's case offer support for the notion of a critical period in language acquisition?

• A) With intensive instruction,Genie acquired a sizeable vocabulary after the age of 13;moreover,she eventually mastered the rules of syntax.
• B) Even with intensive instruction,Genie acquired only a very small vocabulary after the age of 13;furthermore,she never mastered the complexities of language.
• C) Once she was no longer isolated,Genie acquired a sizeable vocabulary and eventually mastered the rules of syntax,even without intensive formal instruction.
• D) Genie's case is irrelevant to the notion of a critical period.

---

Definitions:

Dispositional Traits

Fundamental personality characteristics that are relatively stable over time and across situations, influencing individual behavior.

Cultural Background

The cultural environment in which a person was raised or identifies with, encompassing heritage, tradition, language, and customs.

Influential

Having the power to affect the beliefs, behaviors, or development of others through one's actions or presence.

Experiment

A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.