The Mind of a Savant

This text is an investigation of a unique case of a polygot "savant" (Christopher) who has been institutionalized because he is unable to look after himself. His exceptional nature lies in his linguistic abilities, both in his native language, namely English, and in some sixteen languages which he has learned to different degrees on the basis of brief exposure to "Teach yourself" books or direct contact with native speakers. Tsimpli's investigation is based on the "Principles and Parameters" framework suggested in Chomsky and subsequent work within the same theory in relation to syntax, first and second language acquisition. This study is an attempt to characterize Christopher's case in terms of a more general theory of mind in the light of Fodor's Modularity thesis and Anderson's theory of intelligence.