Korean-English Bilingualism in Early Childhood: A Longitudinal Investigation of Development

This book provides a detailed longitudinal account of English and Korean acquisition in early childhood, examining code-switching and morphology and syntax development in Korean-American children. It sheds light on the linguistic capabilities of bilingual children and expands our understanding of heritage language acquisition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2024
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating linguistic journey of Korean-English bilingual children residing in the United States. It offers a detailed longitudinal exploration of English and Korean language acquisition in early childhood, providing a close examination of code-switching, morphology, and syntax development among Korean-American children as their language dominance undergoes rapid shifts. Through its insightful narratives, the book unveils the remarkable linguistic abilities of bilingual children, broadening our understanding of heritage language acquisition and contributing to the ongoing research on bilingualism across typologically distinct language pairings. Researchers specializing in early childhood heritage language development will find the extensive longitudinal data a valuable resource for comparative analysis, while scholars and graduate students interested in sequential bilingualism, second language acquisition, and heritage speakers will find this book an invaluable resource.

Introduction:
The study of bilingualism has gained significant attention in recent years, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and multilingual. Bilingual children, who acquire two languages from birth or early childhood, present a unique population with distinct linguistic characteristics and cognitive abilities. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the linguistic development of Korean-English bilingual children living in the United States.

Longitudinal Data:
The book relies on extensive longitudinal data collected over several years from a cohort of Korean-English bilingual children. This data allows for a detailed examination of the language acquisition process, including the stages of development, the patterns of language use, and the factors that influence language choice and usage. By analyzing the linguistic data, the book sheds light on the broad and creative linguistic capabilities of bilingual children.

English and Korean Acquisition:
The book delves into the acquisition of English and Korean languages in early childhood. It explores the similarities and differences between the two languages, including their phonology, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary. It also examines the challenges and strategies that bilingual children employ to navigate the linguistic landscape and develop proficiency in both languages.

Code-Switching and Morphology:
One of the key aspects of bilingualism is code-switching, which refers to the switching between two languages in conversation. The book examines the patterns and factors that influence code-switching among Korean-English bilingual children. It explores the social and cognitive factors that contribute to code-switching, as well as the effects of code-switching on language development and literacy skills.

Syntax Development:
Syntax development is another critical aspect of language acquisition. The book examines the development of sentence structure, word order, and grammatical markers in Korean-English bilingual children. It explores the influences of the child's native language (Korean) and the target language (English) on syntax development and the strategies that bilingual children use to adapt and acquire the grammar of both languages.

Heritage Language Acquisition:
The book also explores the acquisition of heritage language, which refers to the learning of a language that is not the child's primary language. It examines the factors that contribute to the preservation and maintenance of heritage language, as well as the challenges and benefits that bilingual children experience as they acquire and use their heritage language.

Broad and Creative Linguistic Capabilities:
The book highlights the broad and creative linguistic capabilities of bilingual children. It demonstrates that bilingualism does not limit a child's linguistic abilities but rather enhances them. Bilingual children are often more flexible and adaptable in their language use, and they have the ability to switch between languages seamlessly and effortlessly.

Understanding Heritage Language Acquisition:
The book contributes to our understanding of heritage language acquisition in early childhood. It provides valuable insights into the processes and strategies that bilingual children use to acquire and maintain their heritage language. By studying bilingual children, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence language acquisition and the potential benefits of bilingualism for cognitive development and academic success.

Scholars and Graduate Students:
The book is a valuable resource for scholars and graduate students interested in sequential bilingualism, second language acquisition, and heritage speakers. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of the linguistic development of Korean-English bilingual children, providing a rich source of comparison for future research. The book will be particularly useful for those who are conducting longitudinal studies of bilingualism or exploring the linguistic characteristics of bilingual children in different contexts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the linguistic development of Korean-English bilingual children living in the United States. It sheds light on the broad and creative linguistic capabilities of bilingual children, broadens our understanding of heritage language acquisition, and contributes to the ongoing research on bilingualism across typologically distinct language pairings. By studying bilingual children, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the linguistic diversity and richness of our world and the potential benefits that bilingualism can bring to individuals and society as a whole.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800410374