2-094 - Social Language Ecology in Dual Language Learners in the U.S.

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

For the large and growing number of dual language learners (DLLs) whose families speak a minority language at home, developing and maintaining skills in both of their languages is important for social and academic development (McCabe, 2017). We know that language environments at home and school shape DLLs’ skills in each language, but less is known about how the transition from informal learning of a minority language to formal learning of a majority language during early childhood impacts DLLs’ bilingual development. Some studies have noted early shifts in language dominance towards the language of schooling (e.g., Eilers, Oller, & Cobo-Lewis, 2002), while others have reported decreased maternal use of the minority language following the transition to school or daycare (Hammer, Davison, Lawrence, & Miccio, 2009; Prevoo, Mesman, Van Ijzendoorn, & Pieper, 2011). Questions remain surrounding how home language practices during early childhood shapes young DLLs’ language use preference and proficiency. This symposium will bring together three studies examining factors shaping the social language ecology in DLLs in the US. The first study will report parents’ beliefs about bilingualism and their language education decision for their children. The second study will demonstrate the relationship between home language input and preschoolers’ receptive and expressive language skills. Finally, the third study will present findings showing the association between bilingualism in parents and their home language practices. These studies will be discussed in the context of the home language ecology and examine how these social factors shape bilingual children’s development and their schooling experience.

Sub Unit

• Language, Communication

Chair

• Gigi Luk, McGill University

Discussant

• Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez, Vanderbilt University

Individual Presentations

• Who Chooses Dual-Language Education? The Role of Perceptions of Bilingualism and Caregiver Background in a Rural School District - Presenting Author: Sarah Surrain, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Non-Presenting Author: Alena G Esposito, Clark University; Non-Presenting Author: Gigi Luk, McGill University

• Validating Language Acquisition Theory by Exploring Home Language Exposure and Use Among Young Latino DLLs - Presenting Author: Lisa Lopez, University of South Florida

• Language and Literacy Practices of Parents of Kindergarten Registrants in a Highly Multilingual Context - Presenting Author: Gladys María Aguilar, Harvard University; Non-Presenting Author: Sarah Surrain, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Non-Presenting Author: Analiese Reigstad, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Non-Presenting Author: Gigi Luk, McGill University