How bilingual children's conversations change when switching languages

The Role of Interlocutor Behavior on Code Switching Patterns in Bilingual Children with and without Developmental Language Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Houston · NIH-10918106

This study looks at how bilingual kids, whether they have language challenges or not, switch between languages when they talk to different people, and it hopes to help doctors better understand and support these children.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Houston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10918106 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how bilingual children, both with and without developmental language disorders, switch between languages during conversations. It uses a unique approach that involves recording and analyzing interactions with different types of conversation partners, including those who speak only one language or both. By examining these interactions, the study aims to understand the relationship between language ability and code-switching behavior. The findings could help improve diagnostic practices for clinicians working with bilingual children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are bilingual children aged 0-11 years, particularly those with developmental language disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are monolingual or do not have language development concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance understanding of bilingual language development and improve support for children with language disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bilingual language use, but this study aims to address gaps in methodology and provide new insights.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.