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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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