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The Language Exposure Assessment Tool (DeAnda et al., 2016)
journal contribution
posted on 2022-02-23, 05:35 authored by Stephanie DeAnda, Laura Bosch, Diane Poulin-Dubois, Pascal Zesiger, Margaret FriendPurpose: The aim of this study was to develop the Language
Exposure Assessment Tool (LEAT) and to examine its
cross-linguistic validity, reliability, and utility. The LEAT is
a computerized interview-style assessment that requests
parents to estimate language exposure. The LEAT yields
an automatic calculation of relative language exposure and
captures qualitative aspects of early language experience.
Method: Relative language exposure as reported on the
LEAT and vocabulary size at 17 months of age were measured
in a group of bilingual language learners with varying levels
of exposure to French and English or Spanish and English.
Results: The LEAT demonstrates high internal
consistency and criterion validity. In addition, the LEAT’s
calculation of relative language exposure explains
variability in vocabulary size above a single overall parent
estimate.
Conclusions: The LEAT is a valid and efficient tool
for characterizing early language experience across
cultural settings and levels of language exposure. The
LEAT could be a useful tool in clinical contexts to aid in
determining whether assessment and intervention should
be conducted in one or more languages.
