Language Is What Makes Us Human

Language is what makes us as humans unique; it differentiates us from primates. Generally it is acquired in childhood and is developed throughout our lives. Yet what would happen if language was not acquired in childhood? Lennberg (1967: as cited in Grimshaw, Adelstein, Bryden & MacKinnon, 1998).) claims that there is a critical period for when language must develop, (after infancy and before puberty) otherwise it will never reach its potential. Using this as a basis for the question can language be developed after puberty, I intent to argue that although language comprehension can be acquired after puberty, complete language development can not be achieved; using case studies such as Genie (Fromkin, Krashen, Curtiss, Rigler & Rigler, 1974) and E.M (Grimshaw et al, 1998).

Genie’s (Grimshaw et al, 1998) background is extremely tragic. From around the age of 20 months until her rescue at the age of 13 years and nine months (the entirety of the critical period) she was isolated in a box type room (Fromkin et al, 1974). She was physically punished if she made any noise and received no communication other than the occasional bark from her father or brother.

When admitted to hospital, Kent (1972; as cited