Language Learning on Screen: The Role of Language of Instruction for Dual Language Learners

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Technology and the Early Learner

Abstract

This study examined how the language of instruction in educational media might help DLLs learn and maintain two languages. Drawing from theories of dual-coding, linguistic interdependence, and dynamic bilingualism, 87 children (Mage = 59.42 months) viewed educational media programs in four different conditions in a within-subjects design: English immersion, English with Mandarin supports, Mandarin immersion, Mandarin with English supports. At the end of each video, assessors followed a script to administer the vocabulary knowledge assessments: vocabulary labeling, receptive word meaning, expressive word meaning. Through a repeated measures ANCOVA, findings indicate that the language of instruction plays a critical role in L1 and L2 vocabulary learning. Language of definitions, however, did appear to influence vocabulary learning. Findings will be discussed.

Author

• Kevin M. Wong, Pepperdine University