How do children acquire language?

I found it very interesting to read the different theories of language acquisition. There is the constant debate between biology and environment. Nativists, like Chomsky and Lennenberg, believe that language is an innate characteristic and children are born with an LAD (language acquisition device). Environmental theorists such as Bates, Snow and Tomasello believe that language is learned through interactions between language learners and their surrounding community.

The "Critical Period Hypothesis" argues that there is a certain time period (until about age 12) that a child has to acquire language and if that point is passed, it is very difficult to gain any sense of a language. Two examples of this are Victor and Genie. Both were children who, though they may have had an LAD, were never given the opportunity to speak. That is why I believe that neither theory, nature vs. nurture is correct. I do believe, given the evidence, that children are born with "innate language abilities" however, if they are not given the opportunity to hear correct language and try it out themselves, it becomes useless. However, I don't agree with the theory that after age 12, it is extremely difficult to learn other languages. I think it is difficult, but I know many people who just began language classes in high school and are fluent. I think it depends on the person and his/her dedication to learning the language.

I think there is an important correlation here to reading because it emphasizes the need for parents (or other adults) to read to children so that they can model correct pronunciation and fluency. Reading to a child also lends itself to beginning to teach a child comprehension and help develop so many other skills including recall, summary, chronological order, etc. Like we discussed in class, being fluent or literate doesn't just mean you can speak the language. It is necessary to also have a handle on the written language, be able to read it and also understand others who speak it.