Why do you think that it is so difficult for researchers to agree on the CPH. Give explicit examples. Also, give examples from your own experience.
Brown defines Critical Period Hypothesis as a claim that there is a biological timetable before which and after which language acquisition, both first and second, is more successfully accomplished. The article by David Singleton on CPH is controversial among many researchers. The most controverial factor is age. Penfield suggest that "for the purposes of learning languages, the human brain becomes progressively stiff and rigid after the age of nine". Lenneberg suggests that the developmental stage on which language acquisition is predicated "is quickly out grown at the age of puberty". However, Krashen rejects Lennebery's claims regarding lateralization. Krashens' motivation factors regardless of age is the one I agree with. When it comes to research, we must consider the impact that variables contribute to the outcome. Variables, such as, the setting of the research, the background of the researchers, the subjects, and etc. In my opinion and own experience, there is no age in the CPH. I strongly believe that language in L1 or L2 is an on going process. We never stop learning, therefore, language and learning continues to develop. Also, a key factor in language is motivation. Which can enhance or hinder an individual's language process.
2 comments:
Rosario,
Thanks for pointing out what is so necessary from these conflicting hypotheses--that you can do most anything you put your mind to, and that motivation is a very strong factor.
However, I believe that some people do stop learning, or want to stop learning, and then motivation becomes negative. How sad!
In Viktor Frankl's book "Man's Search for Meaning," his account of survival factors in concentration camps, he shows that those who give up, die, and those who stay interested, despite the inhuman surroundings survive. By the way, only 3% of inmates survived the camps.
Carol
Rosario,
I am agree with you, when you explain that L1 or L2 is an on going process. In addition, it is true, we never stop learning, and it does not matter if it is the L1 or L2 acquisition.
For instance, I obtained my BA in Mexico, and learned an academic Spanish. However, sometimes there are Spanish words that I do not know, maybe because they are not in my field or because I am not in direct contact with completely Spanish Language speakers (in the academic context) how I used to be in Mexico.
Now, that I am trying to learn English, most of the time I used to think this process in never going to ends.
Juanita
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