Dual Language Development & Disorders: A Handbook on Bilingualism & Second Language Learning

by Johanne Paradis, Fred Genesee, Martha Crago

As more and more dual language learners enter the school system, now's the ideal time for this second edition of the bestselling textbook—essential for preparing SLPs and educators to work with young children who are bilingual or learning a second language.

This comprehensive, student-friendly text takes the popular first edition to the next level, enriching it with 6 years of new research and the latest guidance on best practices. Dispelling the many myths about dual language development, the expert authors arm future professionals with the information they need to support young bilingual children and their families, all while meeting Head Start's guidelines on cultural and linguistic responsiveness. Preservice professionals will get a solid foundation of knowledge to help them


address reading impairments in dual language learners (NEW CHAPTER!)

minimize barriers to language development in internationally adopted children (NEW CHAPTER!)

give children continuous, consistent, and rich exposure to both languages
recognize the typical stages of second-language learning
determine when a language delay is the result of an actual disorder
prevent attrition of the child's first language
make appropriate decisions about the schooling of dual language learners
understand code mixing and successfully factor it into language assessments
apply effective assessment strategies to accurately diagnose language impairments
plan interventions that are culturally appropriate and respect the child's identity
address parents' concerns and help them support their child's development in both languages
Undergraduate and graduate students will also benefit from detailed profiles of dual language learners, definitions of key terms, and summary sections that juxtapose key points with their implications for effective practice.

With the clear information in this state-of-the-art textbook—also a valuable resource for in-practice SLPs and educators—professionals will be ready to make informed decisions that help young dual language learners thrive, both at home and in the classroom.

Dual Language Development & Disorders is a part of the Communication and Language Intervention Series

See how this product helps strengthen Head Start program quality and school readiness.

Genres: Linguistics, Language

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a page-tuner...

All joking aside, a great reference manual on all things related to dual language learning with theoritical and practical insights. Very interesting chapters about language disorders and reading difficulties.

My only note would be that it was very American-centric but I guess that's where most of the evidence comes from anyway. Also a lot of information about the Canadian context, which was a plus for me.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite interesting, I picked it up for the dual language development part, because many of my students are interesting in this topic, and I wanted to see if there were chapters that I would recommend to interested students or even assign for a class. Quite a lot of good information about how you can measure someone's development in two languages, with many things parents and educators need to watch out for. These may seem like common sense, but some people overlook them, e.g., if you want to measure the size of a three year old's vocabulary, you need to count the words in BOTH languages. You should assume that she is not making sufficient progress because her vocabulary is smaller in one or both languages compared to a monolingual child. There's lots of reassurance for parents who worry that raising children bilingually will somehow confuse the children, and interesting evidence that even children with developmental disorders such as Down syndrome can learn two languages, and that it is even better for them to do so if they live in a bilingual family or community.

The information in the disorder part was mostly new to me. A lot of this also seems like common sense to me, but apparently is not., e.g., if you are trying to diagnose someone with a reading disorder such as dyslexia or problems with reading comprehension, you have to make sure that the text they read is one that they reasonably have a chance of understanding considering their vocabulary size and cultural background/knowledge.

The book starts out with (fictional) profiles of several different L2 learners, e.g., a child with a Bulgarian mother and American father, being raised bilingually from birth in the US, a Somali child who immigrated with his family at the age of 6 after having lived in a refugee camp. The authors then refer to these profiled children throughout the book to illustrate various points (so, for example, the Somali refugee child who have never been to a dentist's office might naturally have difficulty comprehending a text about a visit to the dentist, and so such a text could not be used to diagnose whether he had some kind of reading impairment.)

There's a good glossary and plenty of references to research for follow-up study, and it's written in a very accessible way. I will definitely recommend it to my students.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Textbook. Myth: A child learning a second language should give up their first language. Fact: A child learning a second language will do better academically and linguistically if both languages are equally supported.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book that I will keep in my library going forward. A very well researched dual language book that discusses not only language development but culture and the intersection of both.