Page 18 - Difference or Disorder Digital Version

Understanding How Languages Interact

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Each individual language chapter contains information about speech sounds, sound

patterns, and linguistic structures. All of this information is designed to answer the most

common question we all have: Are the observed speech and language patterns indicative of

learning English as a second language or is something more going on?

Included in each chapter is general information about the language, such as where it

is spoken and its prevalence. The language chapters also include norms for speech acquisition

when they exist and a contrastive analysis with English speech sounds using Venn diagrams.

These diagrams allow readers to literally see the differences between the two languages. The

same format is used to look at differences in language structure. Developmental norms for

language skills are included, as well as the shared and unique features of syntax and

morphology in comparison with English. These tables provide a visual clue as to how

differences between two languages can result in what appear to be “errors” in English.

Finally, in an effort to provide a rich cultural framework in which to consider this information,

each chapter includes a personal note from native speakers of the language.

For easy reference, Appendix A features an International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

chart. Additional developmental information about English sound acquisition, language

milestones, and suppression of phonological processes is included in Appendix B in order to

facilitate comparison between languages.

REFERENCES
Dell, G. S., Reed, K. D., Adams, D. R., & Meyer, A. S. (2000). Speech errors, phonotactic
constraints, and implicit learning: a study of the role of experience in language production.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 26(6), 1355.
Kester, E. S. & Peña, E. D. (2002). Language ability assessment of Spanish‐English
bilinguals: Future directions. Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, 8, 4. 6

Lynch, E. W., & Hanson, M. J. (2004). Developing cross‐cultural competence: A
rd
guide for working with children and their families (3 ed.). Baltimore: Brookes.

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