years old. How would you expect her language to be affected?
A) Rita's language would probably be normal because language develops through innate processes.
B) Rita's language would probably be primitive when she was found, but with intensive language training she would eventually learn most of the rudiments of grammar.
C) Rita's language would probably be primitive when she was found, and even with intensive language training, her language mastery would be limited because she would be past the critical period for learning language.
D) Rita would probably have developed a complex language of her own and would be able to be taught a standard language as well as any 13-year-old could be taught a foreign language.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The critical period for language acquisition is between birth and adolescence, and after this period, language learning becomes increasingly difficult. Since Rita was found at the age of 13, she would have already passed the critical period, so even with intensive language training, her language mastery would be limited. Therefore, Option C is the best choice.

Years Old How Would You Expect Her Language to Be Affected