Speech perception as a window for understanding plasticity and commitment
in language systems of the brain.
Developmental Psychobiology, 46 (3):
233--51 (апреля 2005)DOI: 10.1002/dev.20060
Аннотация
In this article, we provide a critical review of the literature on
speech perception and phonological processing in infancy, and in
populations with different experiential histories as a window to
understanding how the notion of critical periods might apply to the
acquisition of one part of language: the sound system. We begin by
suggesting the use of the term öptimal period" because (a) both
the onset (opening) and offset (closing) of openness to experience
is variable rather than absolute and (b) phonological acquisition
involves the emergence of a series of nested capabilities, each with
its own sensitive period and each best explained at one of several
different levels of specificity. In support, we cite evidence suggesting
that to fully understand plasticity and commitment in phonological
acquisition, it is necessary to consider not only the biological
and experiential factors which may contribute to the onset and the
offset of openness to experience but also how the sequentially developing
parts of phonology constrain and direct development. In summary,
we propose a nested, cascading model wherein biology, experience,
and functional use each contribute.