Overview
This lecture covers the case of Genie, a child subjected to extreme isolation, and its implications for understanding language development, brain science, and the effects of neglect.
Discovery and Background of Genie
- Genie was a 13-year-old girl found in Arcadia, California, who had been severely isolated by her parents.
- She wore diapers, made infantile noises, and had no verbal or social skills at rescue.
- Genie spent her life locked in a small room, often strapped to a potty chair, with minimal contact with others.
- Her father, Clark Wiley, forbade anyone from speaking to Genie and kept her hidden from neighbors.
- After Genie's mother escaped with her, authorities discovered the abuse, and Clark Wiley later died by suicide.
Scientific and Linguistic Importance
- Genie became a subject of scientific study on language development and critical periods.
- Researchers, including psychologist James Kent and linguist Susan Curtis, observed Genie as a "feral child" raised in near-total isolation.
- The critical period hypothesis suggests children must learn language within a certain age range or lose the ability permanently.
Genie's Progress and Setbacks
- Initially, Genie made rapid progress, learning many words and engaging eagerly with the world.
- Despite her growing vocabulary, Genie struggled to learn grammar and sentence structure.
- Brain imaging now shows that severe neglect can cause underdevelopment in the parts of the brain responsible for language, especially if neglect begins early and is prolonged.
Later Life and Ongoing Issues
- Genie returned briefly to live with her mother but was soon placed in state care due to her mother's inability to cope.
- She moved between care homes, sometimes with her former therapists, leading to conflicts of interest and legal battles.
- Eventually, Genie became a ward of the court and her contact with former caregivers and researchers ended.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Feral child — a child raised in isolation with minimal human contact or language exposure.
- Critical period hypothesis — theory that there is a biologically determined window in early life for acquiring language.
- Grammar — the system of rules governing the structure of sentences in a language.
- Neglect — failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm or developmental delays.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review critical period hypothesis for language acquisition.
- Read about cases of extreme neglect and their effects on development.
- Understand the ethical implications of research with vulnerable individuals.