FERAL CHILD Meaning and
Definition
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A feral child refers to a child who has lived in isolation, lacking human contact and socialization, often from a very young age. This child is typically detached from human civilization and exhibits behaviors commonly associated with wild animals. A feral child can emerge in various scenarios, such as instances where a child has been abandoned or neglected by their caregivers and left to fend for themselves in extreme conditions like the wilderness or confinement in unsanitary environments.
Due to the absence of human interaction, education, and socialization, a feral child may develop distinct characteristics and behaviors that differ significantly from those typically found in children who have grown up in human societies. They may lack language skills, have limited cognition, and display an array of survival instincts that stem from relying on primitive instincts rather than acquired knowledge.
The term "feral" is often associated with wild animals that have not been domesticated, and it signifies the untamed nature of these children who have not been shaped by human society and cultural norms. In some cases, when discovered and taken into care, feral children may undergo a long and challenging process of rehabilitation and reintegration into human society, involving intensive therapy, education, and support to adapt to their new environment and learn how to engage in social interactions.
Etymology of FERAL CHILD
The term "feral child" is derived from the Old French word "feral" which means "wild" or "untamed". It is also related to the Latin word "ferus" with similar meanings. "Child" originates from the Old English word "cild", which refers to a young human being. Therefore, "feral child" essentially refers to a young human who has lived in the wild or without human contact and has developed traits and behaviors similar to wild animals.
