Latest Research on the "Word Gap"— International Multilingual Research Journal (IMRJ)

Happy to share late-breaking research on the so-called "word gap" or "language gap" that bilingual children are presumed to have.  I've addressed this previously in this blog a number of times.  I encourage you to read this scholarship and to avoid assuming that White, upper middle class versions of speaking with children is inherently better than families that simply speak differently.  Difference should never automatically equate to deficiency.

Much to learn and to keep track of, as well, in terms of the research.  This research is especially important for educators working with English learners.

Keyword "word gap" on this blog to learn more about both the research on this, as well as the politics behind it.

Angela Valenzuela
c/s

 International Multilingual Research Journal

Introducing the Language Gap
Eric J. Johnson & Ana Celia Zentella
Pages: 1-4 | DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2016.1258184

Interrogating the Language Gap of Young Bilingual and Bidialectal Students
Ofelia García & Ricardo Otheguy
Pages: 1-14 | DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2016.1258190

Exposing Gaps in/Between Discourses of Linguistic Deficits
Eric J. Johnson, Netta Avineri & David Cassels Johnson
Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2016.1258185

Unseen WEIRD Assumptions: The So-Called Language Gap Discourse and Ideologies of Language, Childhood, and Learning
Susan D. Blum
Pages: 1-16 | DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2016.1258187

Meaning-Less Differences: Exposing Fallacies and Flaws in “The Word Gap” Hypothesis That Conceal a Dangerous “Language Trap” for Low-Income American Families and Their Children
John Baugh Pages: 1-13 | DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2016.1258189

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