Page 26 - Literacy Based Speech Language Therapy Activities Digital Version

Literacy-Based Speech Language Therapy Activities

the value that each culture put on different story components, thereby increasing the frequency of
those types of stories and exposure (Poveda, 2002). The following page is a quick reference chart

showing narrative differences between Spanish and English.

A Comparison of Narrative Elements in Spanish and English

Spanish English

Goal of most narratives Moral themes. Spanish-speaking Individualistic/child-centered

children may use an event to themes. English narratives
demonstrate a sense of themselves focus on what is happening

in relation to their community. internally and externally to
the main character.

Reaction A character’s reaction to an event or A character’s reaction to an
element may be atypical. event is predictable.

Story Elicitation Conversational aspects of the Mothers focus on the
narrative are emphasized. Spanish- organizational aspects of the

speaking children have greater narrative and English-
responsibility in recalling the story. speaking children may act as

Mothers play a listening role. co-narrators with parents.

Grammar – meaning Spanish relies on the inflection of English relies on
morphemes, including verb forms. manipulation of word order.

Grammar – syntax Spanish employs verb forms not English has a strict word
often used in English to show order.

conditionality or actions that
continue from the past. Spanish

also has a flexible word order

Acting as a listener or a Spanish-speaking cultures often English-speaking cultures

participant have the role of speaker or listener may tell a story together, ask
and may not simultaneously engage. questions, or interject during

a story.

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