Fragile X and Bilingualism. A case study

In this thesis the process of becoming bilingual is examined from an unusual point of view: in the case of mental retardation. It will be proved that a mentally retarded child can become bilingual. In order to define what bilingualism is, the different approaches of first language acquisition are presented and described and the milestones are followed thoroughly. Definitions of bilingualism and stages of bilingual development follow and the comparison to the monolingual language development is shown highlighting similarities and differences. The language development of mentally retarded children will be connected to normal bilingualism through a typical case of mental retardation not commonly recognised in Hungary: Fragile X Syndrome followed by an extensive literature review. Using a questionnaire, a longitudinal study of a fragile X child will be built up as a supporting proof of the initial idea: bilingualism can be successful not only for healthy children but for mentally retarded children, as well.