Your 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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genie's case supports the notion of a critical period in language acquisition because, despite intensive instruction, she was unable to fully acquire language skills after the age of 13, suggesting that there is a critical period for language development that, once passed, makes it difficult to achieve full language proficiency.

Your Text Reports the Case of a Girl Named Genie