How does the critical period for deaf children acquiring sign language compare to the critical period for hearing children acquiring spoken language?
A) There really is no critical period for deaf children acquiring sign language, whereas there is quite a definite critical period for hearing children acquiring spoken language.
B) The critical period for deaf children acquiring sign language is essentially the same as the critical period for hearing children acquiring spoken language.
C) The critical period for deaf children acquiring sign language is shorter than the critical period for hearing children acquiring spoken language.
D) The critical period for deaf children acquiring sign language is longer than the critical period for hearing children acquiring spoken language.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The critical period for deaf children acquiring sign language is essentially the same as the critical period for hearing children acquiring spoken language. Both critical periods occur during early childhood and the ability to acquire language declines significantly with age. Research suggests that the critical period for both signed and spoken languages begins to close around age 5-7.

How Does the Critical Period for Deaf Children Acquiring Sign