Multilingualism and augmentative and alternative communication: examining language ideology and resulting practices

Area of Science:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Linguistics
• Sociopolitics

Background:

• Multilingual AAC interventions offer benefits for children, yet implementation guidance is scarce.
• Language ideology's impact on AAC practice for multilingual users remains under-explored.
• Existing literature notes barriers but overlooks the sociopolitical dimensions of multilingualism in AAC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight multilingualism as a sociopolitical phenomenon influencing AAC.
• To explore how language ideologies shape AAC practices for multilingual children and families.
• To encourage reflective AAC practice by considering ideological influences.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on multilingualism and AAC.
• Discussion of language ideologies and their translation into AAC practices.
• Presentation of reflective questions for practitioners.
• Exploration of ideological influences on policy, service models, and family choices.

Main Results:

• Language ideology significantly impacts AAC interventions for multilingual children.
• Awareness of ideology can foster more considered and person-centered AAC approaches.
• Identifying ideological constraints and opportunities is key for effective intervention.

Conclusions:

• Situating AAC within a macrosystemic and ideological framework enhances understanding.
• Practitioners must critically examine their own language ideologies.
• Addressing sociopolitical factors promotes equitable and effective AAC services for multilingual families.