Human Growth and Development / Unit 5 HGD 0641 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Sensitive Periods for Language
Captions available
The idea
Adults' difficulty learning new languages points to sensitive periods ending well before seven; childhood is the optimal time for a first and second language.
In practice
Genie, severely neglected with little language until thirteen, never reaching typical speech.
Where people slip
Deaf and hard-of-hearing children risk language deficits from reduced exposure, especially when their hearing loss is not diagnosed.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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