What does the critical period hypothesis suggest?

The critical period hypothesis posits that there are specific windows of time during which language acquisition occurs most effectively and is most likely to result in native-like proficiency. This concept suggests that children are particularly adept at picking up language skills in their early years, and that this ability diminishes significantly as they grow older.

This phenomenon has been observed in cases such as feral children who did not acquire language skills after missing the critical period. Thus, it supports the idea that optimal times for language learning exist, reinforcing the importance of early exposure to language in its various forms, including phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary.

The other responses do not align with this hypothesis. The idea that language acquisition can occur at any age overlooks the critical nature of these developmental windows. Stating that language is entirely learned through environmental factors ignores innate capacities and the specific age-related factors involved. Finally, claiming that language development depends solely on formal education minimizes the role of informal learning and natural exposure during critical periods.