Dual Language Development and Disorders: A Handbook on Bilingualism and Second Language Learning (Communication and Language Intervention Series)

This book provides a "comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis" of the current knowledge about normal and impaired bilingual and second language acquisition. Typical dual language development varies greatly from monolingual development, and professionals must understand these differences to successfully diagnose and treat dual language learners with language delays and disorders. The book divides dual langauge learners into two types: bilingual children, who have learned two languages from infancy, and second language learners, children who learn a second language after significant progress has been made in the first language. The book is divided into three sections: Foundations, which includes definitions, the influence of culture, and the cognitive aspects of dual language learning; Understanding Bilingual and Second Language Acquisition, which examines research and theory, discusses second language acquisition, and explores school issues; and Clinical Implications, which discusses assessment and intervention issues and a synthesis. Eight case studies, with children representing the various types of dual language learners, are introduced in Chapter 1 and reoccur throughout the book.