scholarly journals A Four-Year Longitudinal Comparative Study on the Lexicon Development of Russian and Turkish Heritage Speakers in Germany

Languages ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Sophia Czapka ◽  
Nathalie Topaj ◽  
Natalia Gagarina
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Test Point ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Input Quantity ◽  
Parental Input

Russian and Turkish are the most frequently spoken and intensively investigated heritage languages in Germany, but contrastive research on their development in early childhood is still missing. This longitudinal study compares the trajectories of expressive lexicon development in Russian (n = 70) and Turkish (n = 79) heritage speakers and identifies predictors for their lexicon size at preschool age. Heritage lexicon size was tested with two comparable tests assessing the expressive lexicon at four test points between the mean ages of 3.3 (range: 25–49 months) and 5.6 (range: 54–78 months) years. The influence of language-related factors, such as input quantity, parents’ heritage language proficiency and age of onset (AoO) of German, and other potential predictors, i.e., intelligence and socio-economic status, is evaluated. Results show that the Turkish group’s abilities grow slower but are similar at the last test point. Common predictors for lexicon size are input quantity from siblings and AoO. Group-specific influences are parental input quantity in the Russian group and siblings’ proficiency in the Turkish group. Our findings emphasize the interplay of input quantity and society language AoO for heritage lexicon development. The relevance of our results for the usage-based theory of language acquisition is discussed.

scholarly journals Auditory Processing of Gender Agreement across Relative Clauses by Spanish Heritage Speakers

Languages ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Daniel Vergara ◽  
Gilda Socarrás
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Spanish Language ◽  
Auditory Task ◽  
Auditory Modality ◽  
Gender Agreement ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Spanish Heritage Speakers

Processing research on Spanish gender agreement has focused on L2 learners’ and—to a lesser extent—heritage speakers’ sensitivity to gender agreement violations. This research has been mostly carried out in the written modality, which places heritage speakers at a disadvantage as they are more frequently exposed to Spanish auditorily. This study contributes to the understanding of the differences between heritage and L2 grammars by examining the processing of gender agreement in the auditory modality and its impact on comprehension. Twenty Spanish heritage speakers and 20 intermediate L2 learners listened to stimuli containing two nouns with gender mismatches in the main clause, and an adjective in the relative clause that only agreed in gender with one of the nouns. We measured noun-adjective agreement accuracy through participants’ responses to an auditory task. Our results show that heritage speakers are more accurate than L2 learners in the auditory processing of gender agreement information for comprehension. Additionally, heritage speakers’ accuracy is modulated by their Spanish language proficiency and age of onset. Participants also exhibit higher accuracies in cases in which the adjective agrees with the first noun. We argue that this is an ambiguity resolution strategy influenced by the experimental task.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Language Proficiency in Heritage Language: The Case of Young Russian Heritage Speakers in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-329
Author(s):  
Tamara Vorobyeva ◽  
Aurora Bel
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
The Other ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Family Language

Abstract This study focuses on the issue of language proficiency attainment among young heritage speakers of Russian living in Spain and examines factors that have been claimed to promote heritage language proficiency, namely, age, gender, age of onset to L2, quantity of exposure and family language use. A group of 30 Russian-Spanish-Catalan trilingual children aged 7–11 participated in the study. In order to measure heritage language proficiency (L1 Russian), oral narratives were elicited. The results demonstrated a significant relationship between L1 proficiency and three sociolinguistic variables (age of onset to L2, quantity of exposure and family language use). Additionally, the multiply regression model demonstrated that the only significant variable affecting language proficiency was family language use and it accounted only for 33% of the variation of children’s language proficiency. The study raises the question about what are the other, yet unknown factors, which can affect heritage language proficiency.

Introduction to Heritage Language Development

2019 ◽  
pp. 417-433
Author(s):  
Silvina Montrul ◽  
Maria Polinsky
Keyword(s):  
Heritage Language ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
First Generation Immigrants ◽  
Heritage Language Development

This chapter presents and analyses main factors that contribute to attrition in heritage languages. It shows that heritage speakers are a highly heterogeneous population from both a psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic point of view. In principle, their language can differ from the language of their input (baseline language, usually that of first-generation immigrants to a new country). The differences can be due to how the heritage language developed under reduced input conditions, interference from the dominant language (transfer) and innovations in the grammar, potential changes incipient in the input, and attrition proper. The latter is particularly apparent when the language of adult heritage speakers is compared with the language of bilingual children; such children outperform heritage speakers on a variety of linguistic properties. The critical factors that affect language change in heritage speakers include the age of onset of bilingualism and quantity/quality of input.

scholarly journals Aspectual distinctions in Dutch-Ambon Malay bilingual heritage speakers

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca R Moro
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
Great Likelihood ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Heritage Speaker ◽  
Bilingual Speakers ◽  
Aspect Markers ◽  
Contact Situation

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: This paper investigates the effects of Dutch on the tense-aspect system of heritage Ambon Malay, a variety spoken by Dutch-Ambon Malay bilinguals in the Netherlands. The study asks whether the cross-linguistic contrasts between the two languages – Dutch obligatorily marks past/non-past and finiteness, whereas Ambon Malay lacks a grammaticalized expression of these distinctions – has an effect on the aspectual system of heritage Ambon Malay. Design/Methodology/Approach: The database for the study consists of video descriptions provided by 32 bilingual speakers (the experimental groups) and by three control groups: 27 homeland speakers of Ambon Malay, 5 first generation speakers of Ambon Malay in the Netherlands (late bilinguals), and 10 monolingual speakers of Dutch. Data and Analysis: The frequency and distribution of aspect markers is analysed statistically in the four groups. Findings/Conclusions: The analysis of the data reveals that, under the influence of Dutch, the Ambon Malay progressive marker ada has undergone a shift in temporal status and frequency and it is now interpreted as a marker of present tense, as well as of progressive aspect. The other two aspect markers, the iamitive/perfective su and verbal reduplication (iterative) are used significantly less by heritage speakers. Originality: This study shows that when a grammatical category is present and productive in the dominant language of a bilingual heritage speaker, but not in the heritage language, there is a great likelihood that it will undergo contact-induced grammaticalization, even in a relatively short time contact situation. The study also shows that input-related factors, such as transparency and phonological salience, contribute to the (in)stability of aspectual forms in the heritage language. Significance/Implications: This finding has implication for the incomplete acquisition perspective on heritage languages, which sees these languages as grammatically simplified systems (see, e.g., Montrul, 2009; Polinsky, 2008), because it shows that heritage languages can also gain grammatical distinctions previously absent in the (homeland) language.

Lithuanian Saturday Schools in Chicago: Student Proficiency, Generational Shift, and Community Involvement

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-133
Author(s):  
Aurelija Tamosiunaite
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
The United States ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Linguistic Community ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Community Activities

This article explores the Lithuanian heritage speakers’ community in the United States. It aims to look at the correlations between generation or age of arrival in the United States, and self-reported language proficiency. Usage of Internet materials in Lithuanian and involvement in Lithuanian activities are also addressed. The case study contrasts findings from two different sources: a survey conducted in two Chicago-area Lithuanian Saturday schools in 2007 and an Internet Survey administered to Lithuanian-American middle, high school, and college students via Survey Monkey in 2008. The empirical data indicate that Lithuanian heritage speakers form a diverse linguistic community having different linguistic competences in the heritage language. Consistent with the findings of other heritage languages (Carreira & Kagan, 2011), Lithuanian heritage speakers exhibit high oral proficiency but lack writing and reading skills. The correlation between the age of arrival and linguistic competence in Lithuanian was also observed: the younger the age of arrival in the United States, the weaker competence in Lithuanian was reported. Findings on Lithuanian heritage speakers’ involvement in the heritage community indicate that most of the respondents are highly involved in community activities. All of the third-generation (G3) respondents reported their involvement in Lithuanian Saturday schools, which indicates that Lithuanian education is still actively promoted among G3 heritage speakers.

FOOD CONSUMPTION OF CHILDREN AGED 1 TO 5 IN PHUOC VINH WARD, HUE CITY BY 24 HOURS FOOD RECORDING

2015 ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
Thi Bach Yen Hoang ◽  
Thi Hai Pham ◽  
Dinh Tuyen Hoang ◽  
Thi Huong Le ◽  
Van Thang Vo
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Consumption Survey ◽  
Food Consumed

Food consumption survey is an essential parts of nutrition surveys. It helps to determine the type and quantity of food consumed, assessing the balance of the diet, the relationship between nutrient intake and health, diseases, and economic status, culture society... There are many methods to investigate food consumption. 24-hour food record is a method that record all food consumed by the subject during previous 24 hours. Using this method in chidren helps to assess the their diet to see if it responses the demand in order to have proper nutrition. Objectives: 1. Calculating the number of each food groups consumed within 24 hours of children 1 to 5 years in Phuoc Vinh ward, Hue City; 2. Assessing the quality of their diet and some related factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was implemented on 200 pairs of children aged 1 to 5 and parents or caregivers living in Phuoc Vinh ward, Hue city and some related factors. Results: 82% of the children’s diets covered 4 food groups. Prevalence of glucide, protein, lipide out of the total energy intake were 44.1%, 19.5%, 36.3% respectively within group of 12-<48 months and 50%, 19.5%, 30.6% respectively within group of 48-<72 months. Total energy and protein intake were higher than demanded (p <0.05) while glucide and lipide were lower than demanded (p <0.05). Economical status of family was significant associated with variety of food (all 4 food groups) in the diet of children (p <0.05) and total energy consumed (p <0.05). Conclusion: The children did not have proper nutrition so further research need to be implemented to have suitable interventions. Key words: 24 hours food records, children aged 1 to 5, Hue city.

The Sign 4 Big Feelings intervention to improve early years outcomes in preschool children: Outcome evaluation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Davidson ◽  
Gurch Randhawa
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Children’S Wellbeing ◽  
Preschool Age Children ◽  
Measuring Change ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Clinically Significant

BACKGROUND Any delays in language development may affect learning, profoundly influencing personal, social, and professional trajectories. The effectiveness of the Sign 4 Big Feelings (S4BF) intervention was investigated by measuring change in early years outcomes after a three month period. OBJECTIVE To determine whether Early Years Outcomes (EYOs) significantly improve (beyond typical expected development), if children’s wellbeing improves after the S4BF intervention period, and if there are differences between boys and girls in any progress made. METHODS An evaluation of S4BF was conducted with 111 preschool age children in early years settings in Luton, United Kingdom. Listening, speaking, understanding, and managing feelings and behaviour, in addition to Leuven well-being scales were used in a quasi-experimental study design to measure outcomes pre- and postintervention. RESULTS Statistically and clinically significant differences were found for each of the seven pre- and post measures taken: words understood and spoken, well-being scores, and the four EYO domains. Gender differences were negligible in all analyses undertaken. CONCLUSIONS Children of all abilities may benefit considerably from S4BF, but a language-based intervention of this nature may be transformational for children who are behind developmentally, with EAL needs or of lower socio-economic status. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN42025531; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN42025531

scholarly journals The Relationship between Socio-Economic Status, General Language Learning Outcome, and Beliefs about Language Learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Mohsen Ghasemi Ariani ◽  
Narjes Ghafournia
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Practice Test ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Beliefs About Language Learning ◽  
Iranian Students

<p class="apa">The objective of this study is to explore the probable relationship between Iranian students’ socioeconomic status, general language learning outcome, and their beliefs about language learning. To this end, 350 postgraduate students, doing English for specific courses at Islamic Azad University of Neyshabur participated in this study. They were grouped in terms of their socioeconomic status. They answered a questionnaire in which they indicated their beliefs about language learning in different contexts of language use. Besides, a general language test of proficiency (a Practice test of a TOEFL Test) was administered to all the participants to homogenize them in terms of general language proficiency or general language learning outcome. The quantitative data were subjected to a set of parametric statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The findings manifested a positive relationship between the students’ economic status and general language learning outcome. Besides, the findings manifested a significant relationship between the participants’ language learning outcome and their beliefs about language learning. The findings suggest if language instructors are equipped with the necessary information to assist language learners in coping with their negative beliefs, the process of language learning is not only accelerated, but also probable measurement errors may decrease.</p>

scholarly journals Age at menarche in urban school-going girls: association between socio-economic status, BMI and physical activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 666
Author(s):  
Amrita Behel ◽  
Leena Raje
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Age At Menarche ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Background: Menarche, one of the most reliable markers of pubertal maturity, is a result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Since accelerated pubertal development is an important determinant of prognostic disease risk, especially in developing countries, attention must be focused on this important public health aspect.  Methods: Total 200 school-going girls aged between 10-15 years studying in municipal, public-funded and private schools in Mumbai were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria of having attained menarche only in the last three months. Sociodemographic and anthropometric details were collected using a structured schedule and physical activity data was collected using the physical activity questionnaire for older children and adolescents.Results: Socioeconomic status and family size were found to significantly influence the age of onset of menarche (p<0.001). Anthropometric indices of height, weight and BMI were found to have significant negative correlations indicating that taller, heavier girls reached menarche earlier than their shorter and lighter peers (p<0.000). Level of physical activity was also found to be an important contributing factor to age at menarche such that a higher level of physical activity was observed in girls with higher mean menarcheal age (p<0.000).  Conclusions: Age at menarche was found to be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, BMI and physical activity.   

scholarly journals Family Representations of Preschool Age Children Living in Families of Different Socio-Economic Status

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-101
Author(s):  
A.A. Shvedovskaya ◽  
T.Yu. Zagvozdkina
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Family Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Financial Anxiety ◽  
Economic Well Being ◽  
Family Representation

A child’s family representation is one of the crucial factors of psychological and social development in older preschoolers. The article emphasizes that the relationships between a child’s family socioeconomic status (SES) and family representation are mediated. Family members’ perception and evaluation of their socioeconomic status are conditioned with subjective economic well- being. It influences family functioning which, in its turn, conditions particular characteristics of a child’s emotional experiences in family situation and his/her family representations. The analysis of relationships between subjective economic well-being of family members and a child’s family representations demonstrates the trend to increase in severity of poor well-being markers in case of increase of parental markers of financial stress, financial deprivation and financial anxiety. An empirical classification of family representation types in children from families with various SES is provided. It includes positive family representation “Favorable family”, family representation with some elements of disharmony “Unstable family”, representation of a distant family “Distant family”, conflict family representation “Conflict family”, negative family representation “Unfavorable family”.

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