Developing Bilingual Expressive Language Tools for Spanish-Speaking Families in the Rio Grande Valley

Author

• Edessa Xcarlet Reyes, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

First Advisor

Ruth Crutchfield

Second Advisor

Mary T. Barrientos

Third Advisor

Lily Puente

Abstract

This pilot study examines the development of dialect-sensitive expressive language tools for bilingual children in the Rio Grande Valley. A cross-sectional survey design was used to examine Spanish-speaking caregivers’ confidence, language use, and perceptions of communication support across home, school, and medical settings. The study focuses on culturally and linguistically responsive practices that account for regional Spanish dialectal variation. Findings from this research are intended to inform the development of family-centered expressive language resources and contribute to equitable assessment and intervention practices for bilingual children in speech-language pathology.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Edessa Xcarlet Reyes. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371399384

Recommended Citation

Reyes, E. X. (2026). Developing Bilingual Expressive Language Tools for Spanish-Speaking Families in the Rio Grande Valley [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1963