Harvard University

Study of Continuing Language Development in

Internationally Adopted Children

When internationally adopted children enter the U.S. one challenge they face is learning English. While the task of learning a new language may seem daunting to an adult, most adopted children rapidly begin to speak in English. We are interested in learning more about this process. Our earlier study examined English development during children’s first months in the U.S. The goal of this project is to expand upon those findings by observing children during the first several years in the U.S.

Nearly 50 families with children who have been in the U.S. from 6 months to 7 years have already participated in this study. The children, who represent 6 countries in Eastern Europe and Asia, have taught us a great deal but we are looking for a few more. Language development is particularly rapid during the first 3 years in the US and so we are hoping to find more children who have been in the US for less than 3 years to give us a more complete understanding of how the language learning process occurs.

Interested in Participating?

· Are you interested in learning more about how your internationally adopted child is learning English?

· Do you want to help future parents know what to expect as their child learns his or her new language?

We are looking for additional internationally adopted children who:

· Were born in Eastern Europe or Asia (including India)

· Came to the U.S. at the age of 2.5 years or older

· Have been in the U.S. for less than 3 years

· Are currently between 4 and 10 years old

Participation involves a two hour visit in your home. We will be traveling to a number of U.S. cities between June and December of 2007. If you are able to come to Cambridge, MA you may alternatively visit our office.

Since we are interested in the natural progression of language development in older children, we strongly encourage all families to participate. If we only gather information from parents who have concerns about their child’s language, we will not get an accurate picture of development. Participating families will receive feedback on their child's progress and information about our findings. Children receive a toy and tee-shirt.

If you are interested in participating or have questions please contact Joy Geren or Carissa Shafto at langdev@wjh.harvard.edu or 617-384-8357.