Typical and Atypical Language Development in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity


Book Description

Typical and Atypical Language Development in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity brings together state-of-the-art studies in both typical and atypical language development. Placing the topic in the context of cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD), the book offers readers serious theoretical consideration of the topic and provides implications for multilingual educational and clinical practices. The content covers a wide range of topics related to multilingual language development in CALD: typical and atypical language development in CALD, and the interface between both; the relationship between multilingual competence and academic performance in CALD; providing unbiased speech and language measures in CALD; and heritage and minority languages education in CALD. Each chapter outlines the core theoretical and practical issues and explores both theoretical and pedagogical/clinical implications in the area and possible future developments. This volume is an essential resource for all those who study, research, or are interested in multilingual development, educational linguistics, and clinical linguistics in the CALD context.




Language Disabilities in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity


Book Description

Language Disabilities in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity offers a new approach to understanding the familiar dilemma of disentangling difficulties in communication for learners developing the language of schooling. The author takes a socio-cultural Vygotskian approach to reinterpret international research in language disabilities, namely specific language impairment, communication difficulties, dyslexia and deafness.




Effects of Orthography on Second Language Phonology


Book Description

This is the first book devoted to the effects of orthographic forms (spellings) on second language phonology. Written by one of the pioneer researchers in the field, the book provides an authoritative overview of the effects of spellings on the perception, production, awareness, learning and teaching of sounds and spoken words in a second language. Using the findings and implications from a large-scale research project at its centre, the book reveals that English consonants spelled with double letters lead Italian learners and users of English as a second language to perceive, produce, classify, and learn English consonants as geminates (long consonants). Presenting a narrative of a second language research project, and discussing its implications, the book will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of orthography, phonology, and speech and language perception. Language teaching practitioners will also find the book useful.




Ecological Perspectives in Early Language Education


Book Description

This book presents ecological perspectives towards early language education that conceptualise the phenomenon of interactions between child language-based agency, teachers’ agency, peers’ agency and parents’ agency, consequently furthering insights into the lives of young children growing up in multilingual homes. Drawing on rich empirical research evidence, the book explores teachers’ and family strategies and practices aimed at enhancing children’s interest in home language maintenance and enrichment as well as in the novel language learning. It defines early language education as the education of children up to the age of 6 and considers international evidence of children’s language from diverse sociolinguistic backgrounds and indigenous, endangered, heritage, regional, minority, majority, and marginalized languages, as well as foreign and second languages in education at home and out-of-home settings. It claims that only through collaboration between teachers, families, peers, and close environment, can the child be engaged in early language learning and fully experience his or her potential to act as agent in a novel language learning. The book will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and postgraduate students in the fields of language education, multilingualism, applied linguistics, and early childhood education. Practitioners in these fields may also find the volume a valuable resource.




Sublating Second Language Research and Practices


Book Description

Wu’s book provides an innovative perspective on, and recommendations for, the major aspects of second language (L2) teaching from a Hegelian anthro-philosophical perspective. Language is social in nature and is related to the larger social milieu. Hegelian philosophy of language complements existing research and theories on L2 learning by not only equipping them with a systematic framework but also broadening their scope. In Hegelian philosophy, language not only has its individual and interpersonal dimensions but is also related to the community, society, and morality. The Hegelian perspective also suggests a number of functions of L2 which have either been neglected or rejected by L2 researchers. This book highlights these neglected elements such as intersubjectivity, mutual recognition, universalization and objectivization of inner subjectivity of individuals, as well as moral enhancement. These concepts generate insights on the teaching and learning of L2. Wu’s volume also covers how the Hegelian anthro-philosophical perspective can help to re-interpret research results on L2 learner characteristics that are related to L2 learning to date such as L2 identity and autonomy. The book offers an alternative research paradigm, teaching philosophy, pedagogical implications, and suggestions for scholars, practitioners, and students in the professional field of L2 teaching.




Early Childhood Language Education and Literacy Practices in Ethiopia


Book Description

This edited volume explores how indigenous knowledges and practices can be instrumental in improving literacy outcomes and teacher development practices in Ethiopia, aiding children’s long-term reading, and learning outcomes. The chapters present research from a collaborative project between Ethiopia and Norway and demonstrate how students can be supported to think pragmatically, learn critically and be in possession of the citizenship skills necessary to thrive in a multilingual world. The authors celebrate multilingualism and bring indigenous traditions such as oracy, storytelling, folktales to the fore revealing their positive impact on educational attainment. Addressing issues of language diversity and systematic ignorance of indigenous literacy practices, the book plays a necessary role in introducing Ethiopia’s cultural heritage to the West and, hence, bridges the cultural gaps between the global north and global south. Arguably contributing one of the first publications on early literacy in Ethiopian languages, this book will appeal to scholars, researchers and postgraduate students studying the fields of early years literacy and language, indigenous knowledge and applied linguistics more broadly.




Assessment of Plurilingual Competence and Plurilingual Learners in Educational Settings


Book Description

This book addresses contemporary issues in the assessment of plurilingual competence and plurilingual learners. Offering theoretical and practical lenses, it contributes towards an integrated and holistic assessment of plurilingual competence and plurilingual learners. The book provides both theoretical considerations and empirical approaches around how the specificities of plurilingual learners can be considered when assessing their various competences. It covers topics relating to learners in a variety of plurilingual settings: from the education of adult immigrants, assessment of young refugees and assessment of students in school and university, to the assessment of plurilingual competence in foreign language education. Showcasing a wide range of international authors, the book provides cutting-edge research in the domain of multilingual foreign, second and heritage language assessment, and assessment of content knowledge of plurilingual students. It bridges the gap between the fields of language policies and practices, research on plurilingual competence, and assessment in language education. Providing new insights into a crucial and contentious issue, this volume will be an essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of educational language policies, applied linguistics and multilingualism, in particular those involved in the assessment of plurilingual competence.




Communication Disorders in Multicultural Populations


Book Description

Written by some of the top researchers and clinicians in the field, Communication Disorders in Multicultural Populations, 4th Edition offers an in-depth look at the major cultural groups in the U.S. and the issues concerning their communication development, common disorders, and treatment options. This fourth edition features a wealth of updates and new features — including the latest research and added coverage of communication issues in countries such as Australia, China, Canada, and Brazil — to give speech-language pathology students and speech-language pathologists a balanced and global perspective on the most topical multicultural communication issues of today. - Comprehensive coverage focuses on a wide variety of cultural and age populations. - Cutting-edge research and data offer up-to-date discussions based on the latest studies in multiculturalism as it relates to the SLP and AuD professions. - Diverse panel of expert authors include some of the top researchers and clinicians in the field. - Additional resources provide a focused listing of print and electronic sources at the end of each chapter to support more in-depth study of a particular subject. - Chapter on international perspectives tackles issues in countries such as Australia, Canada, China, and Brazil to give you a more global understanding of communication disorders. - The latest statistics from the 2010 U.S. Census report offers the most current data available. - Increased content on older adults covers the multicultural issues, voice disorders, and neurogenic disorders particular to this important demographic. - Case studies give you practice solving realistic clinical problems. - Chapter overview and conclusion outline the key information in each chapter and serve as a checklist for content mastery.




Crosslinguistic Encounters in Language Acquisition


Book Description

This book presents diverse, original research studies on typical and atypical child language acquisition in monolingual, bilingual and bi-dialectal settings, with a focus on development, assessment and research methodology. Languages investigated in the studies include underrepresented languages, such as Farsi, Greek, Icelandic, isiXhosa, Maltese, Mandarin and Slovene, without excluding representative work in major languages like English and Spanish. The language areas of focus are phonology, lexicon, morphology and syntax and the book incorporates studies in under-researched language impairment, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and language impairment in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. The book has practical significance in that it proposes tools and assessment practices that are of universal crosslinguistic relevance while also dealing with language-specific complications. The studies presented enhance existing knowledge and stimulate answers on what the acquisition of disparate languages in different contexts can teach us about language/communication development in the presence or absence of disorder.




Developmental Language Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence


Book Description

The field of language disorders often lacks comprehensive resources that address the diverse range of developmental language disorders and provide insights into effective treatment and special education approaches. Many existing books focus on specific disorders or groups of disorders, leaving a gap in knowledge and understanding for academic scholars and professionals seeking a broader perspective. This limitation hampers efforts to support individuals with developmental language disorders and integrate them into schools and society. Developmental Language Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, edited by Dimitra Katsarou, is a groundbreaking book that fills the void in literature by offering a holistic and inclusive approach to developmental language disorders. Unlike other publications, this edited volume covers a wide range of disorders and provides insights into linguistic approaches, treatment methods, and special education practices. It serves as a comprehensive resource that equips academic scholars, educators, clinicians, therapists, and parents with the knowledge and strategies needed to address developmental language disorders effectively. With chapters authored by experts in the field, the book explores topics such as psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, etiology, differential diagnosis, genetic syndromes, dyslexia, autism, aphasias, stuttering, psychological problems and language, developmental psychopathology, cognitive and linguistic profiles, special education, therapy, inclusion, and the roles of schools, families, and caregivers. By encompassing this broad range of subjects, the book provides readers with a deep understanding of the complexities of developmental language disorders and offers practical guidance for supporting individuals with language challenges. Developmental Language Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence is an essential resource for academic scholars, professionals, and individuals interested in developmental language disorders. By offering a comprehensive exploration of the subject and highlighting inclusive pedagogical approaches, the book empowers readers to better understand, diagnose, and support individuals with developmental language disorders. With its emphasis on treatment methods and special education practices, this book paves the way for more effective integration of individuals with language challenges into schools and society.