Language Difference and Language Disorder
A language disorder is an inability to understand and process language either expressively or receptively. A child has a language difference when he or she speaks another language or a variety of a standard language, such as African American English. It is highly recommended that teachers work in collaboration with the child’s family, specialists, and others involved in that child’s care and education in order to determine whether the child has a language difference or a language disorder. The same team should identify the best language and instructional strategies for that particular child, if that child is determined to have a language disorder, a disability, or other special need.
Research to Practice Behaviors demonstrated by both English Learners and children with disabilities.
English Learners may exhibit the same kind of classroom behaviors that may be of concern to teachers. Because such behaviors may be
considered problematic, they may result in a referral to special education. Although the external behaviors are similar as those
exhibited by children with disabilities, the reasons for them are different. For English Learners, these behaviors are temporary
adjustments in response to being placed in an environment in which they do not understand the rules or the language being spoken.
It is very important to team up with professionals knowledgeable about second language acquisition to carefully sort out which
behaviors are due to the child learning English as a second language and which are due to other possible explanations. Behaviors
that are misinterpreted include the following:
- Speaks infrequently
- Speaks excessively (in home language or in English)
- Refuses to answer questions
- Confuses similar sounding words
- Unable to tell or retell stories
- Poor recall
- Poor Pronunciation
- Poor syntax/grammar
- Does not volunteer information
Adapted from Ortiz, A. A. & Maldonado-Colon, E. (1986). |
