Language Acquisition

Language Acquisition

Based on the readings I have concluded that language acquisition is the result of both “nature” – ones cognitive abilities and other biological factors, and “nurture” – ones interaction with his environment. The Naturalist Theory cited in the article, postulates that we are born with the propensity for language acquisition and if we are exposed to language during the “critical period” - the first 12 years of our lives, we are likely to acquire language at the mastery level. The theory further states that lack of exposure to language during those critical years will make it impossible to learn language in a fully functional sense. The article gives examples of two individual who were language deprived in those critical years and later intervention and immersion in the language did not fully compensate.

Prior to reading the article, Mama Teached Me to Talk, I never gave much thought to who was responsible for teaching me the language. I just took it for granted that I learned from my parents. Now that I have given some thought to the subject, I have to agree that I just imitated my parents and others in the household and the community. As I used the language the feedback I received from others around offered positive or negative reinforcement. I can recall when I innocently used a curse word at the dinner table. My father said nothing, but his facial expression and the snickering of my older siblings made me realize that that was not an acceptable expression.

The article also highlighted the importance of a “critical period” for language acquisition. However, it focused on the first seven years of life. This is in keeping with what child psychologists refer to as formative years of life where the individual’s personality if formed.

I can relate to the writer’s experience in the article, Learning Languages that mastering a second language takes years and requires total immersion. I attempted to learn American Sign Language for about 2 years. I enrolled in some courses at Union County Community College for 2 semesters and attempted to practice the signs on my own because I did not have anyone to interact with regularly. I eventually gave up the venture because my fingers and facial expressions refused to conform and my receptive skills were very weak. When I attempted to converse with individuals in the Deaf community I missed at least half of the conversation and I felt that they were just accommodating me. Now I have forgotten most of what I learned. I truly believe that language acquisition is more effective in the early years of life.