Bilingualism On Bilingual Children Essay

Literature Review

Aile Pham

Arizona State University

What are the Best course of Action in Regards to Bilingual Children with Speech Disorders?

Literature Review of Academic Sources

Introduction

There are a varying views on bilingualism and how it affects children with speech disorders. Although, there is not much research done on the topic and there has not been a consensus on how to go through therapy with these kids. This paper will analyze academic sources on this topic and their views on what should be done.

Perspective on Bilingualism

Generally, bilingualism is considered a positive attribute. There are varying opinions of whether a child with a speech disorder should be taught a second language, however. These different opinions do not only vary between speech-language pathologists, but also the parents of the children.

The parents in the article ‘Bilingualism, Language Disorders and Intercultural Families in Contemporary Italy’ felt more negative in that perspective. This study, by Bruno, Balottin, Berlincioni, and Moro (2015) of the University of Paris and University of Pavia, surveyed ten interracial couples and found their views on the topic. (p. 19) All ten couples resided in Italy, thus the language spoken predominantly was Italian (Bruno et al., p. 19). The authors interviewed the couples and transcribed their responses (Bruno et al., 2015, p. 21). One parent believed their child had a speech disorder due to the fact they were bilingual (Bruno et al., 2015, p. 24). The parent believed this even though a speech language pathologist suggested it was a “mechanical problem” (Bruno et al., 2015, p. 24). One mother, who was not Italian, said her husband’s family blamed her child’s language disorder on the fact they were bilingual (Bruno et al., 2015, p. 26). Another non-Italian mother