Questions for "The Civlizing of Genie":

1. Explain the statement “Genie is living proof of human resiliency.”

2. Although much of Genie’s behavior was like that of a wild animal, Maya Pines writes “Genie was decidedly human.” What are some of the indications of Genie’s humanity?

3. Explain how Genie’s language development fits into the theories of Lenneberg, Chomsky and Skinner.

4. According to this text, what is the strongest evidence supporting the theory of a “critical period” for language acquisition?

5. Was Genie’s early language deprivation the ONLY factor that contributed to her abnormal language development? Explain what other factor(s) might have been involved.