Language Development and Stuttering
Location
FA-152
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The research question I aim to explore is whether individuals who speak more than one language are more likely to experience stuttering, and if so, whether they stutter more frequently in their first language or second language. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between bilingualism and stuttering patterns. Previous research by Saad Merouwe (2023) has indicated that monolingual individuals who stutter may exhibit deficits in executive control. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding bilingual individuals who stutter. Conversely, Maruthy and colleagues (2015) found that bilingual Kannada-English speakers demonstrated greater stuttering frequency in their second language (English) compared to their first language (Kannada). Furthermore, they observed that stuttering was more prevalent in "higher content words" in the second language. Earlier studies have also suggested a correlation between bilingualism and stuttering diagnosis (Howell, Davis, & Williams, 2009; Stern, 1948; Travis et al., 1937). Bilingualism has been discussed in stuttering literature as far back as 1937 (Travis, Johnson, & Shover, 1937). This study will employ a survey methodology to gather information on bilingualism and stuttering experiences. Participants will do an online survey and will be asked questions about how many languages they speak and whether or not they stutter. Depending on the survey responses, participants may be invited for follow-up interviews as part of a separate study. I anticipate that individuals who speak more than one language may be more susceptible to stuttering, especially considering the involvement of code-switching in bilingual communication.
Faculty Sponsor
Linda Rueckert
Language Development and Stuttering
FA-152
The research question I aim to explore is whether individuals who speak more than one language are more likely to experience stuttering, and if so, whether they stutter more frequently in their first language or second language. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between bilingualism and stuttering patterns. Previous research by Saad Merouwe (2023) has indicated that monolingual individuals who stutter may exhibit deficits in executive control. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding bilingual individuals who stutter. Conversely, Maruthy and colleagues (2015) found that bilingual Kannada-English speakers demonstrated greater stuttering frequency in their second language (English) compared to their first language (Kannada). Furthermore, they observed that stuttering was more prevalent in "higher content words" in the second language. Earlier studies have also suggested a correlation between bilingualism and stuttering diagnosis (Howell, Davis, & Williams, 2009; Stern, 1948; Travis et al., 1937). Bilingualism has been discussed in stuttering literature as far back as 1937 (Travis, Johnson, & Shover, 1937). This study will employ a survey methodology to gather information on bilingualism and stuttering experiences. Participants will do an online survey and will be asked questions about how many languages they speak and whether or not they stutter. Depending on the survey responses, participants may be invited for follow-up interviews as part of a separate study. I anticipate that individuals who speak more than one language may be more susceptible to stuttering, especially considering the involvement of code-switching in bilingual communication.