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Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
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Automated Language Environment Analysis: A Research Synthesis.
Charles R Greenwood1, Alana G Schnitz1, Dwight Irvin1
1Juniper Gardens Children's Project, The University of Kansas, Kansas City.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|March 30, 2018
Summary
The Language Environment Analysis (LENA®) system effectively measures language environments for children and adults. This review confirms LENA
Area of Science:
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Developmental Psychology
- Computational Linguistics
Background:
- The Language Environment Analysis (LENA®) system offers a novel approach to quantifying spoken language exposure.
- Measuring the language environment is crucial for understanding child language development and the Word Gap.
- Previous research highlighted the need for efficient and valid methods to analyze naturalistic language interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the current dimensions and applications of LENA research.
- To assess LENA's sensitivity in detecting variations across different populations and language environments.
- To evaluate the progress made in addressing the Word Gap using LENA technology.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted, identifying 83 peer-reviewed articles utilizing LENA.
- Fifty-three articles meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed to synthesize findings.
- The review focused on studies examining LENA's automated speech indicators and audio environment measures.
Main Results:
- LENA research spans diverse populations, including young children, older adults, and teachers, focusing on communication environments.
- LENA's automated speech indicators (adult input, interaction, child production) demonstrate high validity, accuracy, and sensitivity.
- Intervention studies using LENA have primarily involved small-scale pilot experiments on parent education and feedback.
Conclusions:
- Automated language analysis, exemplified by LENA, is now an established tool in language research and practice.
- LENA has proven effective in measuring language environments and identifying differences across various contexts.
- Further research is needed to explore LENA's full potential in intervention and addressing developmental disparities.

