Language Disabilities In Cultural And Linguistic Diversity

Language Disabilities in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity offers a new approach to understanding the familiar dilemma of disentangling difficulties in communication for learners developing the language of schooling. The author takes a socio-cultural Vygotskian approach to reinterpret international research in language disabilities, namely specific language impairment, communication difficulties, dyslexia and deafness.

This comprehensive guide is designed for speech-language pathologists who work with individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations. It bridges the gap between existing research and the use of that information in clinical practices. It includes easy-to-access information on normative data, assessment techniques, intervention approaches, and resources. Practical information is included to help readers provide speech and language services that meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

This volume draws together current research on dyslexia and literacy in multilingual settings across disciplines and methodologies. The contributors, all internationally recognised in the field, address developmental and acquired literacy difficulties and dyslexia in a range of language contexts including EAL/EFL. The book uses theories and analytical frameworks of a critical nature to reveal prejudicial social practices, and suggests future research directions towards a critical re-consideration of current understandings of dyslexia in multilingual settings, with a view to foregrounding the potential for interdisciplinarity. The book also suggests ways forward for evidence-informed practice, and it will be a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners and students alike.

This edited book presents an detailed analysis of the experience of deaf people as a bilingual-bicultural minority group in America. An overview of mainstream research on bilingualism and biculturalism is followed by specific research and conceptual analyses which examine the impact of cultural and language diversity on the experiences of deaf people. The book ends with poignant personal reflections from deaf community members. The contributors include prominent deaf and hearing experts in bilingualism, ASL and Deaf culture, and deaf education.

The decision to write this book was taken by a group of practising speech therapists who worked with bilingually language handi capped children in the UK. They formed a professional interest group called the Specific Interest Group in Bilingualism because of the need felt by speech therapists to have some forum for discuss ing the challenges posed by the assessment and treatment of the bilingually language handicapped. In these regular discussion groups it became clear that similar experiences were encountered by all speech therapists working with these client populations up and down the country. They centred on managing the linguistic diversity, the need for develop mental language information, the need for appropriate assessment protocols, the recruitment of bilingual staff and appreciating the positive perspective of working in this field. In the UK the range of languages is extensive. Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Turkish, Polish, Ukranian, Hong Kong Chinese, Vietnamese Chinese, Creole, Black English, Bengali, Gujerati and Panjabi cover the main ethnolinguistic groups. In the 1987 ILEA language census over 140 languages were recorded as being spoken in London.

Exploring language, culture and education among immigrants in the United States, this volume discusses the range of experiences in raising children with more than one language in major ethno-linguistic groups in New York. Research and practice from the fields of speech-language pathology, bilingual education, and public health in immigrant families are brought together to provide guidance for speech-language pathologists in differentiating language disorders from language variation, and for parents on how to raise their children with more than one language. Commonalities among dissimilar groups, such as Chinese, Korean, and Hispanic immigrants are analyzed, as well as the language needs of Arab-Americans, the home literacy practices of immigrant parents who speak Mixteco and Spanish, and the crucial role of teachers in bridging immigrants' classroom and home contexts. These studies shed new light on much-needed policy reforms to improve the involvement of culturally and linguistically diverse families in decisions affecting their children's education.

Discussions surrounding inclusivity have grown exponentially in recent years. In today’s world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the hot topics in all aspects of society, it is more important than ever to define what it means to be an inclusive society, as well as challenges and potential growth. Those with physical and intellectual disabilities, including vision and hearing impairment, Down syndrome, locomotor disability, and more continue to face challenges of accessibility in their daily lives, especially when facing an increasingly digitalized society. It is crucial that research is brought up to date on the latest assistive technologies, educational practices, work assistance, and online support that can be provided to those classified with a disability. The Research Anthology on Physical and Intellectual Disabilities in an Inclusive Society provides a comprehensive guide of a range of topics relating to myriad aspects, difficulties, and opportunities of becoming a more inclusive society toward those with physical or intellectual disabilities. Covering everything from disabilities in education, sports, marriages, and more, it is essential for psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychiatric nurses, clinicians, special education teachers, social workers, hospital administrators, mental health specialists, managers, academicians, rehabilitation centers, researchers, and students who wish to learn more about what it means to be an inclusive society and best practices in order to get there.