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Universal Grammar and critical periods: A most amusing paradox

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

Philip Lieberman
Affiliation:
Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rl 02912–1978. lieberman@cogvax.cog.brown.edu

Abstract

Epstein et al. take as given that, (1) a hypothetical Universal Grammar (UG) exists that allows children effortlessly to acquire their first language; they then argue (2) that critical or sensitive periods do not block the UG from second language acquisition. Therefore, why can't we all effortlessly “acquire” Tibetan in six months or so? Data concerning the neural bases of language are also noted.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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