Development here follows Gagné-like honesty: aptitudes, practice and catalysts. Linguistic talent is not a finished essence.
Windows differ by domain. A closed sport window is not a closed writing window. Read the clocks.
Stages
- Play with sound
Songs and minimal pairs.
Ear first.
- Add a second input
A person or a show.
Density.
- Analyse a pattern
A mini Pāṇini notebook.
Grammar as noticing.
- Use it for a job
A message that must arrive.
Purpose.
- Record and compare
Accent as data.
Window honesty.
- Teach one phrase
Explaining reveals gaps.
Vygotsky.
Levers
- Input hours — The main nurture variable.
- Phonological memory — A starting-point residual.
- Shame reduction — Fear hides talent.
- A real addressee — Pragmatics grow with need.
- Script access — Literacy is a separate layer.
Windows
- Early phonology — Cheaper accents for many learners.
- Primary immersion — School as a second home language.
- Adolescent identity talk — Slang and style as serious data.
- Adult purpose learning — Lomb’s open door.
Supports
- Immersion and dual-language schools — Opportunity systems.
- Interpreter institutes — Hungary, Geneva, Beijing pipes.
- Language documentation projects — Hale’s ethic funded.
- Public broadcasting in several languages — Input as infrastructure.
Linguistic talent: catalysts and windows do the daily work. Destiny talk is the failure mode.