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Speech perception as a window for understanding plasticity and commitment in language systems of the brain
Author(s) -
Werker Janet F.,
Tees Richard C.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.20060
Subject(s) - experiential learning , phonology , psychology , psycholinguistics , openness to experience , cognitive psychology , perception , speech perception , language acquisition , phonological development , offset (computer science) , window (computing) , cognitive science , computer science , linguistics , neuroscience , cognition , social psychology , philosophy , mathematics education , programming language , operating system
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 “optimal 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. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 46: 233–251, 2005.