International Multilingual Research Journal
Volume 9, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 197-219

An Examination of Language Practices During Mother-Child Play Activities Among Mexican Immigrant Families (Article)

Palacios N.* , Kibler A.K. , Baird A.S. , Parr A. , Bergey R.
  • a Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, United States
  • b Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, United States
  • c Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, United States
  • d Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, United States
  • e Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, United States

Abstract

We examined the language practices of five mother-child dyads during a structured play activity, particularly in relation to maternal question use. The study includes second-generation, 4-year-old children of Mexican immigrants who demonstrate either high vocabulary levels in English and Spanish or low levels of vocabulary in both languages. Examination of field notes, videotapes, and transcriptions yielded differences in maternal use of perceptual and conceptual questions between children with high and low vocabulary. Children with higher English/Spanish vocabulary profiles experience greater variety in the form of perceptual questions that produce abstract child responses, are more likely to experience clarification or explanation questions, and have greater opportunity to lead during extended exchanges. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

English language learners conceptual questions perceptual questions mother-child play maternal question use

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84936947401&doi=10.1080%2f19313152.2015.1048543&partnerID=40&md5=766a0128074f9f573541b2c630049b2b
DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2015.1048543
ISSN: 19313152
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English