Which Language Should We Choose?
We are often confronted with this question. As SLPs, we often answer these types of questions with a reference to generally accepted practice, evidence-based findings, or some combination thereof. All of our decisions are inherently motivated by seeking and doing what is best for the person with which we are working to correct or ameliorate his or her communication difficulty or the symptoms of such.
Multilingual people with or without a language disorder are at risk of losing some or all of their first language skills. When those that speak more than one language spend a significant amount of time in an environment in which their first language is spoken minimally, or not at all, e.g., an all English classroom, there is a good chance that they may start losing skills from their first language--as the adage goes "use it or lose it." This is especially true for those who are exposed to a second language for a great portion of their day in and outside of the home.
Conversely, one's first language skills may be more resilient to change for those who come from a home in which the first language is well-maintained and/or for those who are in an environment in which both the first and second languages are both utilized regularly, e.g., in a bilingual classroom. Additionally, lifelong cognitive benefits have been documented for those who regularly speak, or maintain, more than language.
When planning therapy for you or your child or when planning your child's education please ensure that your decision is based on sound, well-researched methods. When a language disorder is suspected it is imperative that a comprehensive bilingual or multilingual speech and language evaluation is completed by a trained professional, i.e., someone who is well-versed in typical and atypical speech and language skills in all languages being assessed. Furthermore, it is advised that the clinician be somewhat familiar with each language's effects on the other. This does not mean that the provider has to speak your child's language though that would be ideal. Always ensure that the language or language(s) chosen for therapy are based on a sound evaluation. Though one's language preference is important, it is only one of many items that should be considered when choosing the language(s) for therapy.
If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information. NOTE: This article is intended only as a general source of information, i.e, it is not intended to replace information given to you by a qualified health professional that is familiar with your particular circumstances. If you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention.
Multilingual people with or without a language disorder are at risk of losing some or all of their first language skills. When those that speak more than one language spend a significant amount of time in an environment in which their first language is spoken minimally, or not at all, e.g., an all English classroom, there is a good chance that they may start losing skills from their first language--as the adage goes "use it or lose it." This is especially true for those who are exposed to a second language for a great portion of their day in and outside of the home.
Conversely, one's first language skills may be more resilient to change for those who come from a home in which the first language is well-maintained and/or for those who are in an environment in which both the first and second languages are both utilized regularly, e.g., in a bilingual classroom. Additionally, lifelong cognitive benefits have been documented for those who regularly speak, or maintain, more than language.
When planning therapy for you or your child or when planning your child's education please ensure that your decision is based on sound, well-researched methods. When a language disorder is suspected it is imperative that a comprehensive bilingual or multilingual speech and language evaluation is completed by a trained professional, i.e., someone who is well-versed in typical and atypical speech and language skills in all languages being assessed. Furthermore, it is advised that the clinician be somewhat familiar with each language's effects on the other. This does not mean that the provider has to speak your child's language though that would be ideal. Always ensure that the language or language(s) chosen for therapy are based on a sound evaluation. Though one's language preference is important, it is only one of many items that should be considered when choosing the language(s) for therapy.
If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information. NOTE: This article is intended only as a general source of information, i.e, it is not intended to replace information given to you by a qualified health professional that is familiar with your particular circumstances. If you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention.
