A case study: language environment analysis of a bilingual child with speech-language delay

Improvements in technology are quickly enabling researchers to collect and analyze data in new, more efficient ways. One new technological device, the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) device, allows researchers to collect up to 16 hours of recorded language environment data including child vocalizations, adult vocalizations, communication environments, and conversational turns to assess speech and language abilities and exposure. This study analyzed the LENA recording of a bilingual (Spanish-English) child with a speech and language delay in the fourth year of life. This recording enabled researchers to transcribe segments of the recorded sample to provide specific information regarding speech and language abilities in relation to previously administered speech and language assessments as well as analysis of a sample of exposure in the daily school environment. The research allows for interpretation of automated LENA analyses in feasibility and accuracy to be used for future studies of language environments for young bilingual language learners with speech and language delays