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Eric Lenneberg's contributions to linguistics revolve around the biological foundations of language and the critical period hypothesis. His work, alongside Noam Chomsky, challenged behaviorist views, emphasizing an innate capacity for language learning linked to early childhood. Lenneberg's theories on brain development and language acquisition have influenced educational and therapeutic practices in language learning.
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Lenneberg was born in Germany and later obtained degrees from the University of Chicago and Harvard University
Critical Period Hypothesis
Lenneberg proposed that there is an optimal time window in early childhood for acquiring language
Cerebral Lateralization
Lenneberg hypothesized that the brain's hemispheres are equally involved in language acquisition during the critical period
Lenneberg and Chomsky worked together to refute the behaviorist view of language learning and advocate for an innate, neurobiological basis for language acquisition
Lenneberg's theory is supported by the proficiency of children exposed to multiple languages before puberty in bilingual environments
Lenneberg's research has guided therapeutic methods for language rehabilitation after brain injuries by acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of language acquisition
Adults often face difficulties in achieving native-like proficiency in a second language, especially in areas such as pronunciation and syntax, supporting Lenneberg's hypothesis
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Eric Lenneberg's birthplace and date
Born in Düsseldorf, Germany on September 19, 1921
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Lenneberg's migration to the US and reason
Emigrated to the US in 1938 to escape Nazism
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Lenneberg's academic path and degrees
Bachelor of Philosophy from University of Chicago in 1942; PhD from Harvard in 1956
