Biological Basis for Language Learning

Language may be innate and it is a vehicle for the expression of thoughts. Eric Lenneberg (1967) pointed out the clinical evidence that the language functions are located in the left hemisphere of the brain.

My son started to speak three different languages whe he was four years old. He learned the words from different people who were taking care of him in a day care center. Children can learn and manage languages faster than adults. The child’s neurological age is a critical factor in the language learning.

One of my friends was worried about his son, who is not talking like other children, in the same age group. He just say “mama, papa”. I told him to send the child to a day care center. Within a months period the boy started to speak.

At home, the child was with his mother alone and there was only limited chance of language use. The young brain is quite flexible. In addition, there are different modes/ areas in the brain for language functions.


Reference: Driscoll, M (2005). Psychology of Learning For Instruction. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.