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TMN3701 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024 (781160) - DUE 9 May 2024
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TMN3701Assignment 2
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
2024 (781160) -
DUE 9 May 2024
, QUESTION 1 1.1. Discuss the critical period hypothesis and indicate whether
it has any relevance to language acquisition and language learning.
Substantiate your answer. (10)
The critical period hypothesis proposes that there is a limited age range during which an
individual can easily acquire certain skills or knowledge, and beyond this period, the ability to
learn these skills diminishes significantly. This hypothesis has been widely discussed in various
fields, including language acquisition and learning.
In the context of language, the critical period hypothesis suggests that there is an optimal
window of time during childhood when the brain is particularly receptive to language input,
making it easier for children to acquire their first language(s). Research has shown that children
who are exposed to language during this critical period tend to develop native-like proficiency,
both in terms of pronunciation and grammatical structure.
One famous case often cited in support of the critical period hypothesis is that of Genie, a girl
who was isolated and deprived of language input until she was discovered at the age of 13.
Despite intensive efforts to teach her language skills, Genie never achieved fluency comparable
to that of native speakers, suggesting that she had missed the critical period for language
acquisition.
Moreover, neurological studies have revealed that there are biological changes in the brain
associated with language acquisition during early childhood, such as increased synaptic density
and neural plasticity. These changes gradually decline as individuals age, contributing to the
difficulty adults often experience in acquiring a new language with the same ease as children.
However, it's important to note that while the critical period hypothesis offers valuable insights
into language acquisition, it's not without criticisms and exceptions. Some individuals are able to
learn new languages proficiently even as adults, albeit with varying degrees of effort.
Additionally, the exact timing and duration of the critical period for language acquisition remain
debated among researchers.
In conclusion, the critical period hypothesis has significant relevance to language acquisition and
learning, providing a framework for understanding why children tend to excel in language
acquisition compared to adults. However, it's essential to consider this hypothesis within the
broader context of individual differences, environmental factors, and ongoing research in the
field of linguistics and neuroscience.
1.2. Explain how the concept of “language transfer” relates to the role of the
first language in additional language teaching according to Cummins (1980).
Describe how you would identify opportunities for “language transfer” in
additional language teaching. (10)
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