This document discusses stuttering in bilingual children. It begins by defining bilingualism and discussing the prevalence of bilingual speakers in the US. It then addresses questions around whether bilingualism increases the risk of stuttering, how stuttering may present differently in each language, and recommendations for parents and speech language pathologists working with bilingual children who stutter.

1. Stuttering and Bilingualism Presentation by Kristie Altenbach and Ma. Larisa Atienza

3. Stuttering and Bilingualism What is Bilingualism?

7. Stuttering and Bilingualism Prevalence of Bilingual Speakers

9. Stuttering and Bilingualism Prevalence of Bilingual Speakers

12. Stuttering and Bilingualism Bilingualism and Risks of Stuttering

17. Stuttering and Bilingualism Bilingualism and Risks of Stuttering Is it stuttering or normal/increased disfluency due to limited proficiency?

28. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents

29. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents Will talking to a child in two languages at home make him or her more likely to begin stuttering?

30. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents Will talking to a child in two languages at home make him or her more likely to begin stuttering? There is no evidence that claims that speaking two languages in the home since birth causes stuttering. This may actually be the ideal time and the best way to teach a child a second language.

31. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents My child has been receiving two languages at home since birth, and now he or she stutters. What should I do?

32. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents My child has been receiving two languages at home since birth, and now he or she stutters. What should I do? If your child is bilingual and is beginning to stutter, it is recommended that you should: a. Pay attention to the stuttering in the child’s strongest language, since that is where the most frequent stuttering would be heard. b. Follow the recommendations for stuttering prevention in publications from reputable sources like the Stuttering Foundation. c. If your child's stuttering continues for more than six months, visit a speech pathologist who specializes in stuttering. d. Do not combine vocabulary words from both languages when speaking to the child. Only use one language at a time. e. Let the child to combine vocabulary words in both languages, but model the word in the child's primary language. Do not ask the child to repeat your model.

33. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents Will introducing my child to extra languages between the ages of three and six years make him or her more likely to stutter?

34. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents Will introducing my child to extra languages between the ages of three and six years make him or her more likely to stutter? There is no proof that teaching your child another language causes stuttering. Extra languages are often brought in around age four, an important time for both language learning and stuttering. But if your child’s language is not progressing at his or her age level, or if you notice beginning stuttering, you will want to talk with a speech pathologist and postpone teaching an additional language until after the age of six. Speech and language literature suggests that teaching a second language during or after grade six can still be effective.

35. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents My child has recently been learning another language and has started to stutter. What should I do?

36. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for Parents My child has recently been learning another language and has started to stutter. What should I do? If your child is a second-language learner/bilingual second-language learner and begins to stutter, you should: a. Help your child with new or challenging vocabulary by saying the word. You can give prompts by saying the first sound of the word,or by giving a clue about the word’s definition. b. Do not mix words from both languages in the same sentence/ sentences when speaking with your child c. Let your child use words from both languages when he or she talks. d. Simplify your language if your child is having trouble with vocabulary or grammar in his or her stronger language.

37. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for SLPs

38. Stuttering and Bilingualism Information for SLPs When treating a child who speaks two (or more) languages, the following are recommended:

41. Stuttering and Bilingualism Seven Tips for Talking With Your Child

42. Stuttering and Bilingualism Seven Tips for Talking With Your Child A. Speak to your child slowly, using pauses. Wait several seconds after your child's speaking turn before you talk. Using slow speech will be more helpful than being critical or telling your child to "slow down." B. Do not ask your child too many questions. After your child speaks, comment on what he or she says to show that you are listening. Children are generally more comfortable with being allowed to say their own thoughts rather than answering an adult's questions. C. Use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to show your youngster that you are listening to the meaning behind his or her speech, and not for stuttering or disfluencies.

43. Stuttering and Bilingualism Seven Tips for Talking With Your Child D. Give your child your full attention for at least a few minutes everyday at a regular time. Use slow speech with pauses. This will help build your child's confidence as well as letting him or her know you enjoy his or her companionship. E. Help everyone in your family learn how to be better turn-takers and listeners. Children are more comfortable talking when there are less interruptions and when they know their listener is attentive. F. Monitor your interactions with your child. Give your child more time to speak and listen to him or her more often. Reduce criticisms, talking too quickly, questions, and interruptions. G. Show that you accept your child just as he or she is. Showing unconditional support towards your child is extremely important.

44. Stuttering and Bilingualism References

45. Stuttering and Bilingualism References Guitar, B. (1998). Stuttering : An integrated approach to its nature and treatment (2nd ed.). Baltimore, MD, US: Williams & Wilkins Co. The Stuttering Foundation. Stuttering and the Bilingual Child. Retrieved March 6, 2009, from http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Portals/english/0110bilc.pdf U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2005-2007 Community Survey 3-Year Estimates; Language Spoken at Home; generated by Larisa Atienza; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (5 March 2009). U.S. Census Bureau; Census 2000, Language Use and English Speaking Ability: 2000; generated by Larisa Atienza; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (5 March 2009). Van Borsel, J. (2001). Stuttering and bilingualism : A review. Journal of fluency disorders, 26(3), 179-205. Images: Fotosearch, www.bps.k12.in.us