1 Genie Reflection Paper Jackson Doty Middle Tennessee State University Language Accquisition and Analysis Kathryn Blankenship January 28 2024 2 Genie Reflection Paper Genie: Secret of the Wild Child" delves into the unfortunate and tragic cases of a 13 year old girl known to us as Genie. Her early life and development were horribly hindered by extreme isolation and deprivation. This documentary shows a compelling case study, that sheds light on language acquisition, critical periods, and the intricate relationship between cognition and language development and if a person so far isolated is able to make a complete turnaround. Language Abilities Language acquisition as discussed in the documentary and in class involves both learned and innate components. Learned components, such as vocabulary, grammar rules, syntax, and pragmatic aspects, are cultivated through exposure to social and cultural conventions. Whereas innate components encompass the biologically predetermined capacity to recognize and produce phonemes, the basic building blocks of language, and an inherent understanding of language structures. Critical Period for Learning Language The concept of a critical period talked about in the documentary suggests a specific window during which language acquisition is easiest. Genie's case however showed that severe deprivation in early childhood can lead to irreversible language deficits highlighted by the fact that by the end she had regressed a bit. Furthermore the existence of a concrete cutoff age for the ability to have effective speech development was debated, evidence supported the idea that the brain's plasticity and adaptability to language diminish over time. Role of Cognition/Intelligence in Language Development The relationship between cognition/intelligence and language development is intricate and interdependent. They are not one or the other. Cognitive abilities influence language 3 acquisition, and language, and, in turn, provide a tool for expressing cognitive processes and shaping abstract thoughts. Cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving are integral for effective language use. And in the case of intelligence you can innately have a lot of potential in your brain but you can only grow, retain, and use that intelligence depending on your cognition of your surrounding and eviroment. Impact of the Video on Views of Language Development The documentary emphasizes the critical role of early social and linguistic interactions in language development. The documentary highlights the potential consequences of severe deprivation on language acquisition, emphasizing the complex interplay and intimacy between nature and nurture in shaping linguistic abilities. It also heavily recommends reflection on the ethical considerations surrounding research involving extreme cases, challenging preconceptions about the universality of language development in severe cases such as Genies and in other cases across the board. Conclusion In conclusion, "Genie: Secret of the Wild Child" provides profound insights into language acquisition, critical periods, and the interdependence of cognition and language development. Genie's case serves as a sad example but an important reminder of the lasting impact of early experiences on human development, prompting debate not only on the resilience of the human mind and the ethical, methods and responsibilities inherent in scientific research.
