Using Translanguaging as an Intervention for Caribbean Creole Children

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Education

Background:

• Caribbean Creoles are diverse linguistic systems spoken by many children.
• Traditional speech-language interventions may not fully support these children's linguistic needs.
• Translanguaging offers a framework to leverage students' full linguistic repertoire.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide historical and contextual information on Caribbean Creoles.
• To examine the benefits of translanguaging in speech-language intervention.
• To introduce the Translanguaging Speech-Language Intervention (TSI) Framework.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on Caribbean Creoles and translanguaging.
• Development of the TSI Framework based on translanguaging principles.
• Discussion of practical implications for clinical intervention.

Main Results:

• The TSI Framework offers a culturally responsive, strength-based approach.
• It supports the development of a unitary complex language system in bilingual children.
• It encourages home language maintenance and promotes linguistic justice.

Conclusions:

• The TSI Framework is a valuable tool for speech-language pathologists working with Caribbean Creole speakers.
• It promotes equitable and effective intervention for bilingual children.
• The framework advocates for linguistic diversity and inclusion in clinical practice.