Dr. Pui Fong Kan's research endeavors revolve around the domains of bilingualism, bilingual language acquisition, and language disorders. Her body of work systematically explores the multifaceted aspects of language development, including but not limited to the language learning environment, cross-linguistic transfer between languages, vocabulary growth, and word learning and retention. Her research program has the potential to lead to a rich and nuanced understanding of the various factors that shape language development and how they interact. In particular, Dr. Kan's work on clinical assessment and intervention for underrepresented bilingual children holds theoretical and practical significance. The developmental trajectory of bilingual children and their linguistic competencies is a complex and dynamic process that is influenced by various factors such as socioeconomic status, language proficiency, and exposure to different languages. Her research provides insight into how these factors impact the diagnosis, treatment, and management of language disorders among underrepresented bilingual children. Her work has significant implications for the design and delivery of clinical services, as it underscores the importance of taking into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of the patient population. Overall, Dr. Kan's research program significant implications for language pedagogy, clinical practice, and policy.
keywords
Bilingualism, Child language development, Language Disorders
SLHS 4502 - Language Disorders Across the Lifespan
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Provides students with an introductory understanding of the causes, characteristics, assessment and treatment of developmental and acquired language disorders in children and adults. Examines a variety of disorders including specific language impairment, learning disabilities, and language and cognitive disorders due to brain damage. Considers the challenge of identifying language disorders in children and adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
SLHS 5012 - Evidence-based Practice and Research Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2024
Focuses on the knowledge of research methods and the application of research principles into clinical practice. In particular, covers quantitative research methods that are in speech-language pathology clinical settings. Will cover (1) clinical practice and research methods in speech, language and hearing sciences; (2) single-subject designs in clinical settings; (3) introduction to data collection, data organization and data analysis; (4) interpretation and presentation of clinical data. Formerly SLHS 5000.
SLHS 5352 - Bilinguals with Communication Disorders
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Covers current empirical research regarding the linguistic and cognitive system of bilinguals with and without communication disorders. Address cross-cultural and cross-linguistic issues in selection and implementation of assessment and intervention procedures. Discuss various intervention strategies for working with bilinguals and their families.
