The Reliability of Critical Period Hypothesis

Zakaria Bziker

doi:10.5296/ire.v8i1.15525

Abstract

This article is an attempt to examine the reliability of the Critical Period Hypothesis (Note 1) in light of subsequent studies. The high improbability of successful L2 acquisition among adults is the main point of strength that CPH enjoys. However, we have incidents of nativelikeness with individuals that began L2 acquisition years past the critical period (Note 2) in addition to supporting studies that show ultimate attainment among L2 learners is still possible. In this case do we still talk about a reliable hypothesis? This opens us to ponder whether CPH is purely biological or there are other social construct factors at play that help some L2 adult learners to attain nativelikness despite the high unlikelihood of its occurrence.

Highlights

The human brain is not a physiologically static organ
The Critical Period Hypothesis in cognitive psychology and language acquisition is the core of the on-going debate concerning the effect of brain plasticity on language acquisition
Maybe Genie was a victim to the same factors that affect L2 acquisition among adult learners and it is still uncertain that biological traits have something to do with post-CP language acquisition process, or as Bialystok (1997) states: The conclusion is that there is insufficient evidence to accept the claim that mastery of a second language is determined wholly, or even primarily by maturational factors (Bialystok, 1997, p. 116)

Summary

Introduction

The human brain is not a physiologically static organ It is dynamic and changes with time as it has scientifically been proven (Kandel & Tauc, 1965; Zucker & Regehr, 2002). This change is called neuroplasticity and occurs at the level of neural pathways and neural cells These changes are vital for the development of the brain as well as for it to function properly in terms of language processing and acquisition in early childhood development or cortical remapping in case of brain injury or damage. The Critical Period Hypothesis in cognitive psychology and language acquisition is the core of the on-going debate concerning the effect of brain plasticity on language acquisition. We will attempt to answer these questions and provide a scholarly critique of the hypothesis in question and provide insights regarding other areas of research that needs attention

Challenges in the Critical Period Hypothesis

CPH Negative Results

How Reliable Is CPH?

Potential Factors Responsible for Negative Results

Conclusion