Vocabulary Development in Japanese Heritage Speakers
Author Information
Author(s): Maki Kubota, Jason Rothman
Primary Institution: University of Bergen
Hypothesis
When does the vocabulary knowledge of Japanese heritage speakers begin to diverge from their monolingual counterparts?
Conclusion
Japanese heritage speakers begin to show lower vocabulary scores than their monolingual peers starting at around 5.61 years of age, with this difference persisting into young adulthood.
Supporting Evidence
- Vocabulary scores for monolinguals averaged 46.36, while heritage speakers averaged 45.28.
- Significant differences in vocabulary scores between heritage speakers and monolinguals began at age 5.61.
- Six latent factors were identified that influence vocabulary development: Holiday, School, Community, Proficiency, Literacy, and Home.
Takeaway
Kids who speak Japanese at home and in their community start to know fewer words than kids who only speak Japanese at around 5 years old, and this difference continues as they grow up.
Methodology
The study used structural equation modeling to analyze vocabulary scores and factors influencing vocabulary development in a large sample of Japanese heritage speakers and monolinguals.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported measures of proficiency and vocabulary.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and does not track individual development over time.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 427 Japanese heritage speakers (mean age 9.96, 213 female) and 136 monolingual Japanese children (mean age 6.69, 65 female).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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