Which of these statement is true?
1. Language is learned only when it
is taught.
2. Language cannot be taught.
3. Maturation alone accounts for
the development of language.
4. Most children are born with a
potential for language.
Wouldn't statement 1 be True?
1 is nonsense. I have a grandchild, age 2, that has learned to sign (she has not uttered a word yet) for words. No one taught her to sign, and in fact, it took us some time to learn her language. She has an normal vocabulary, but in signs. That leads me to ponder number four.
Most? Why not all born with a potential for language? Why most? That makes no sense
If a child is born deaf, his/her potential for language development decreases; if he/she is blind AND deaf, it decreases even more; and don't forget to consider those with mental or developmental issues (such as severe cases of autism).
Statements that say "all" or "none" will undoubtedly be false, even by the tiniest of percentages!
=)
So, You are both saying 4 is true?
Yes. Most kids have a great potential for language. AT age four, it is astounding the rate they learn.
I would have to agree in saying that statement 4 was true. Academically, for a class, this is where theories come into play, where someone says 1 is not true, and someone says that 1 is true. If you are just looking for personal opinions, my vote is number 4.