Bi/multilingualism and Culturally Responsive Use of AAC: The Impact of Using All Linguistic Resources

Research

Objective:
To understand the impact of bi/multiple language utilization and its related outcomes for effective AAC practice.
Data sources:
PubMed, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane Indexing terminology: pediatric bilingualism, pediatric intervention, multilingualism and inclusion, multilingual AAC use, multilingual speech generating device, bilingual communicators (with, and) AAC, translanguaging, language activation, neurolinguistics, code-switching, caregiver training, outcomes in use of AAC.
Study Selection:
Information was collected from articles retrieved from the above-mentioned databases. Single subject case reviews were eliminated. The focus was on bilingual and multilingual speakers with limited inclusion of users of sign language, albeit indeed an alternative language, however and in contrast including users of speech generating devices. Of relevance to this research, was the impact outcomes of therapy and consideration to support ongoing use of alternative communication approaches or devices.
Data Extraction:
Completed reviewed with guidelines that included focusing in research published in the last 20 years with the exception of those published from research completed on mental health and bilingualism (e.g., Cummins, 1989). Article selection and data extraction was relevant to the pediatric population.
Data Synthesis:
Findings suggested that mastering a language and the experimentation with words, their order, and sound system takes time. When children are exposed to multiple languages there will be influences that will carry across language systems and that overgeneralization is likely to occur. Similarly, when a bilingual/multilingual speaker has experienced language loss, language stimulation results in activation of all languages facilitating communication. In summary, the promotion of language use in all forms, especially with multilingual speakers who use AAC as their primary function and when supported by their community perform better. When AAC users, their caregivers, and their supportive staff become more comfortable in using a specific device, it is more likely to be used in a variety of contexts. Thus, familiarity and acceptance increase and feelings of inadequacy and stigma decrease resulting in the normalization of AAC utilization.

Conclusions:
Qualitative research offered evidence that supported the notion that when multilingual AAC communicators are supported in the use of all known languages and their caregivers and support staff are trained and skilled in the use of the preferred devices, overall utilization increases. This results in furthering communicative independence and decreases caregiver reliance.
Author(s) Disclosures:
This author does not have anything to disclose as a conflict of interest.