The Question of Language Acquisition (Lenneberg vs. Chomsky)

Lenneberg formed the Critical Period Hypothesis theory which contends that language is innate but has to be attained before the age of puberty or else the ability to learn language ebbs (as a result of the lateralization of the brain). 1 At present, the Critical Period Hypothesis theory is widely accepted by numerous linguists. Evidence has been presented that there is a limited time when the brain is malleable (in terms of language). Studies such as, …

…http://www.tc.columbia.edu/academic/tesol/Han/GinaLaporta.htm 4 "Chomsky and language learning." November 4th 2005. Class notes. 5 Michael Apted. Nell. 1994 6 Ibid 7 Mason, Timothy. "The Evidence from Acquisition in Extreme Conditions." 2003 URL: http://www.timothyjpmason.com/WebPages/LangTeach/Licence/CM/OldLectures/L3_ExtremeCircs.htm 8 Ibid 9 Ibid 10 Ibid 11 Ibid 12 La Porta, Gina. "A Critical Look at the Critical Period Hypothesis." May 8, 2000 URL: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/academic/tesol/Han/GinaLaporta.htm 13 Ibid 14 Ibid 15 Ibid 16 Ibid