john hull wrote:
Also, language acquisition is hardwired, sort of like
the way chicks imprint their mothers. If you miss
that window then you're going to have real trouble.
That's why kids learn new languages so easily. This
window closes around puberty, if I recall correctly.
Yes and no. Second languages appear to be easier before puberty (tell
me about it!), but the window for first language acquisition closes much
earlier. Quoth the Straight Dope, as cited by Fabio: ...Kamala, who
was about 8, survived [9 more years]. It was years before she learned to
walk or speak and her vocabulary never exceeded some 50 words.
--
Anton Sherwood, http://www.ogre.nu/
