Understanding how bilingual preschoolers develop language skills
Language development in bilingual preschoolers: A cross-linguistic and cross-cultural comparison
This study looks at how bilingual preschoolers who speak Thai and English learn their languages by observing conversations between mothers and their children, helping us understand how different cultures influence language development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10495199 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how bilingual preschoolers, specifically those who speak Thai and English, develop their language skills in different cultural contexts. It aims to identify typical and atypical patterns of language development by examining interactions between bilingual mothers and their children in both languages. The study will involve naturalistic observation of mother-child conversations to understand how communication styles vary across languages. By focusing on bilingual families, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of language development in diverse cultural settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are bilingual preschoolers aged 1-5 years who are learning both Thai and English.
Not a fit: Patients who are monolingual or do not speak either Thai or English may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved educational strategies and support for bilingual children, helping them achieve better language outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding language development in monolingual children, but this approach focusing on bilingualism is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marian, Viorica — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Marian, Viorica
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.