Final answer:
Childhood is a critical period for language acquisition due to biological predispositions, yet language problems can still be addressed after puberty. Establishing a research baseline is crucial for understanding language development and aiding those with language difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is childhood the critical period in the development of language ability, and once a child enters puberty, can such problems be overcome? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. Research indicates that childhood is indeed a critical period for language acquisition. During this time, children are biologically predisposed to learn language, and they do so with relative ease. This period is marked by rapid cognitive development and the ability to master the complexities of language without formal instruction. The case of Genie, a child who was isolated and missed early language learning opportunities, showed that while she could acquire vocabulary later in life, she struggled with mastering grammar, suggesting the impact of missing the critical period.
However, that doesn't mean that language problems cannot be overcome after puberty. While it's generally easier to learn languages during childhood, adults and adolescents are still capable of learning new languages, even if the process might be more challenging. Researchers continue to study cognitive development and use their findings to help children with language problems. Establishing a baseline is important in research to understand the natural progression of language acquisition and to identify when interventions might be necessary.