Building research capacity for understanding language development in Maya children
Capacity Building for Neurodevelopmental Research on Maya Children’s Language Environment
This study is all about helping Yucatec Maya children in Mexico learn and grow by looking at how their home environment affects their language skills in both Spanish and Mayan, while also training local researchers to support this important work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10688270 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the ability to conduct neurodevelopmental research in Mexico's Yucatán state, specifically targeting Yucatec Maya children. It aims to improve local research capabilities and conduct a pilot study examining how the home environment influences early language development in these children. By assessing language skills in both Spanish and Mayan, the research seeks to understand the relationship between language exposure and brain development. The project involves training local researchers in ethical practices, participant recruitment, and effective assessment methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Yucatec Maya children aged three years and their caregivers living in the Yucatán region.
Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to the Yucatec Maya community or are outside the age range of three years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and support for the language development of Yucatec Maya children, potentially influencing educational strategies and interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on a specific cultural context, similar research has shown success in enhancing understanding of language development in diverse populations.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Justice, Laura M. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Justice, Laura M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.