Home Literacy Environment and Oral Proficiency: Dual Language Learners From Immigrant Families

• In Event: Poster Session 1: Literacy Innovations for Emergent Bilingual Students

Abstract

This study examined the roles of language exposure, language usage, and home literacy environment on children’s bilingual proficiency. A total of 56 Mexican-American and 65 Chinese-American dual language learners (DLL) were recruited from Head Start centers in Northern California. Parents were interviewed about their child’s hourly language exposure, usage, and home literacy environment. Children were assessed on their bilingual proficiency. Results show no significant difference in the bilingual proficiencies between the two groups. There were differences in the home language practices between the two groups. Regression results suggest that increased time spent reading and language usage is beneficial for DLL’s bilingual oral proficiency. Implications for practice and policy will be discussed.

Authors

• Frances Lansdowne, University of California - Davis

• Emily Mak, University of California - Davis

• Yuuko Uchikoshi, University of California - Davis

• Qing Zhou, University of California - Berkeley