scholarly journals Exploring the Cross-Linguistic Contribution of Spanish and English Academic Language Skills to English Text Comprehension for Middle-Grade Dual Language Learners

AERA Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 233285841989257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Phillips Galloway ◽  
Paola Uccelli ◽  
Gladys Aguilar ◽  
Christopher D. Barr
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Text Comprehension ◽  
Dual Language ◽  
Academic Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Dual Language Learners ◽  
English Reading ◽  
English Reading Comprehension

In this study, we examine the unique and shared contributions of Spanish and English core academic language skills (CALS) to English reading comprehension in a population of Spanish-English dual language learners in Grades 4 and 5 (n = 165). We focus on cross-disciplinary CALS, operationalized as sets of high-utility lexical, syntactic and discourse resources prevalent in school texts. This study finds that Spanish and English CALS are positively and significantly related, and, further, that both sets of skills exert a unique positive influence on English reading comprehension. Aligned with an interpretation of linguistic interdependence between Spanish and English academic language skills, results document their cross-linguistic contribution to reading comprehension for students enrolled in educational programs that foster literacy and content learning regularly in two languages.

The Bilingual Language Diversity of Latino Preschoolers: A Latent Profile Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Emily Halpin ◽  
Nydia Prishker ◽  
Gigliana Melzi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Dual Language ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Dual Language Learners ◽  
Language Diversity ◽  
Classroom Language ◽  
Latent Profile

Purpose This study describes the language diversity (the within-group variability in dual-language skills) of a sample of Latino dual-language learners (preschoolers, 3–5 years of age) and how language diversity is related to home and classroom factors. Method A sample of 161 caregivers and their preschoolers participated in this study. Caregivers and a sample of 19 teachers reported on demographic factors and home and classroom language environments. Children were assessed in various domains of both Spanish and English to evaluate their language proficiency skills in each language. Latent profile analysis was used to generate profiles of the diversity of bilingual skills of young dual-language learners. Results Four profiles of dual-language skills emerged, characterized by balanced versus uneven skills and phonology and morphosyntax domains. The domains within each language served as markers to distinguish the profiles from one another, specifically morphosyntax and phonology. The results underscore the linguistic heterogeneity of preschool Latino dual-language learners. Conclusions Findings reflect the importance of highlighting the strengths of language diversity of preschool Latino dual-language learners instead of employing a monolithic, “one-size-fits-all” approach when considering how to best support them. Furthermore, the home environment plays an important role in supporting Spanish language skills, especially if such support is not necessarily provided at school.

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