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A Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Vocabulary Approach for Young Latino Dual Language Learners

Méndez, L. I., Crais, E. R., Castro, D. C., & Kainz, K.
2015

From the abstract: "This study examined the role of the language of vocabulary instruction in promoting English vocabulary in preschool Latino dual language learners (DLLs). The authors compared the effectiveness of delivering a single evidence-informed vocabulary approach using English as the language of vocabulary instruction (English culturally responsive [ECR]) versus using a bilingual modality that strategically combined Spanish and English (culturally and linguistically responsive [CLR])... Children receiving instruction in the CLR bilingual modality had significantly higher posttest scores (than those receiving the ECR English-only instruction) on Spanish and English vocabulary assessments at instruction end and on the Spanish vocabulary assessment at follow-up, even after controlling for preinstruction scores... The results provide additional evidence of the benefits of strategically combining the first and second language to promote English and Spanish vocabulary development in this population."

Citation

Méndez, L. I., Crais, E. R., Castro, D. C., & Kainz, K. (2015). A culturally and linguistically responsive vocabulary approach for young Latino dual language learners. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 58, 93-106.

DOI

10.1044/2014_JSLHR-L-12-0221