Critical periods in language acquisition and language attrition
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Christophe Pallier
Abstract
This paper reviews some of the predictions and assumptions made by different versions of the Critical Period Hypothesis which assumes that language acquisition will in principle be more successful in younger subjects. Findings from investigations of early vs. delayed acquisition of both a first and a second language which support this claim are presented. The question is then addressed whether the overall difference in ultimate attainment is a consequence of a loss of neural plasticity, or of the stabilizing of neural connections through the language learning process itself. The findings from a study of the L1 attrition of Korean adoptees in France are presented in support of the latter explanation.
Abstract
This paper reviews some of the predictions and assumptions made by different versions of the Critical Period Hypothesis which assumes that language acquisition will in principle be more successful in younger subjects. Findings from investigations of early vs. delayed acquisition of both a first and a second language which support this claim are presented. The question is then addressed whether the overall difference in ultimate attainment is a consequence of a loss of neural plasticity, or of the stabilizing of neural connections through the language learning process itself. The findings from a study of the L1 attrition of Korean adoptees in France are presented in support of the latter explanation.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgment vii
- Bilingualism and attrition 1
- Language attrition at the crossroads of brain, mind, and society 9
- Understanding attrition within a MOGUL framework 39
- Dynamic systems theory, lifespan development and language attrition 53
- The grammatical profile of L1 speakers on the stairs of potential language shift 69
- First language attrition from a minimalist perspective: Interface vulnerability and processing effects 83
- (Psycho)linguistic determinants of L1 attrition 99
- L1 attrition features predicted by a neurolinguistic theory of bilingualism 121
- The role of L1 use for L1 attrition 135
- Critical periods in language acquisition and language attrition 155
- A hidden language: Recovery of a 'lost' language is triggered by hypnosis 169
- Identity, immigration and first language attrition 189
- Language attrition and ideology: Two groups of immigrants in Israel 205
- Stimulated recall methodology in language attrition research 227
- Name index 249
- Subject index 255
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgment vii
- Bilingualism and attrition 1
- Language attrition at the crossroads of brain, mind, and society 9
- Understanding attrition within a MOGUL framework 39
- Dynamic systems theory, lifespan development and language attrition 53
- The grammatical profile of L1 speakers on the stairs of potential language shift 69
- First language attrition from a minimalist perspective: Interface vulnerability and processing effects 83
- (Psycho)linguistic determinants of L1 attrition 99
- L1 attrition features predicted by a neurolinguistic theory of bilingualism 121
- The role of L1 use for L1 attrition 135
- Critical periods in language acquisition and language attrition 155
- A hidden language: Recovery of a 'lost' language is triggered by hypnosis 169
- Identity, immigration and first language attrition 189
- Language attrition and ideology: Two groups of immigrants in Israel 205
- Stimulated recall methodology in language attrition research 227
- Name index 249
- Subject index 255
