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Early Childhood Bilingualism

In Search of Explanation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2008

Linda Schinke-Llano
Linda Schinke-Llano
Affiliation:
Millikin University
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Extract

Although a number of researchers over the years have focused on the language development of bilingual children, we currently possess only a fragmentary picture of the total phenomenon. Further, what appears to be known about the processes involved may need reexamination in light of recent theoretical and empirical work. It is the purpose of this article to review recent research (i.e., that done within the last five to six years), as well as to discuss difficulties inherent in research on bilingual children. In addition, the article argues for a multidisciplinary approach to research in the area and outlines suggested avenues of inquiry within such a framework. Throughout, the focus is on children's bilingual acquisition in naturalistic settings (i.e., prior to school attendance).

Type
State of the art
Information
Studies in Second Language Acquisition , Volume 11 , Issue 3 , September 1989 , pp. 223 - 240
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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