Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
PROJECT SUMMARY Language “nutrition” or access to rich language exposure nourishes children's language development. In turn, “healthy” language outcomes lead to academic success. Despite widespread agreement on the importance of direct exposure to primary caregivers' language (direct input), there is a limited understanding of the multiple input sources and types that promote bilingual development. Yet, given Latino cultural values of family interdependence and cohesion, Latino children's language nutrition comes from multiple sources (primary, secondary, other caregivers) and involves multiple input types, including overheard and direct speech. Thus, in the parent R15 grant, we aim to establish whether and how multiple language input sources and types contribute uniquely to Latino children's bilingual language outcomes. This supplement proposes research and career development activities for Ms. Selena Carbajal that will add to and inform the parent grant. Applying a culture- centered approach to studying bilingual language development, the two aims are to: 1) identify the extent to which Latino children's bilingual outcomes and language input—within dyadic interactions with caregivers—vary based on their caregivers' cultural orientations and values and 2) examine how naturally occurring one-on-one and group interactions—providing direct and overheard speech—vary based on caregivers' cultural orientations and values to promote children's bilingual development. To meet Aim #1, we rely on the parent grant's video- recorded structured play task between children and their primary and secondary caregivers (n=60). To meet Aim #2, we leverage the rich existing audio data collected for the original R15 grant (n=41) that captures children's naturally occurring language interactions with multiple caregivers throughout the day. For both aims, we will code for culturally salient caregiving behaviors within language-based interactions. The primary analyses will examine how Latino caregivers' language use varies based on their cultural orientations and values to promote their children's bilingual outcomes. The overall objective is to better understand the culture-specific socioemotional contexts and linguistic experiences that jointly support children's healthy bilingual language development. In meeting these aims and with structured mentoring from Dr. Perla B. Gámez (PI) and Dr. Francisco Palermo, Ms. Carbajal will refine and gain the research and career development skills necessary for an independent research career in the health-related sciences. To better prepare Ms. Carbajal for an Assistant Professor position, she will (1) engage in hands-on research activities to expand her content knowledge as well as develop proficiency in coding, analyzing, and interpreting longitudinal and multi-method language data, (2) disseminate findings by publishing journal articles and presenting at conferences, 3) apply for a K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence Award, and 4) engage in professional development activities to expand her network of scholars and potential collaborators. The supplement will enhance diversity by fostering innovative and culturally responsive research with Latino families and their young children.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
