Developing Tests for the Assessment of Traditional Language Skill: A Case Study in an Indigenous Australian Community

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Developing Tests for the Assessment of Traditional Language Skill: A Case Study in an Indigenous Australian Community
Language: English
Authors: Loakes, Deborah, Moses, Karin, Simpson, Jane, Wigglesworth, Gillian
Source: Language Assessment Quarterly. 2012 9(4):311-330.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2012
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Language Tests, Foreign Countries, Language Skills, Word Recognition, Usability, Vocabulary Development, Nouns, Case Studies, Indigenous Populations, Uncommonly Taught Languages, Receptive Language, Language Acquisition, Test Validity, Test Reliability
Geographic Terms: Australia
DOI: 10.1080/15434303.2011.653918
ISSN: 1543-4303
Abstract: This article reports on the development and piloting of a vocabulary recognition test designed for Indigenous Australian children. The research is both application oriented and development oriented. The aims of the article are to determine how well the test is used as a test instrument and the extent to which children recognize vocabulary items in Walmajarri (a local Indigenous language still spoken mainly by the older generation). The test was developed in collaboration with one community and extended to three neighboring communities where the same Indigenous language is spoken. Children's receptive knowledge of vocabulary items (nouns) in Walmajarri was tested, with 80 child participants across all communities. The usability of the test is discussed, as well as results of this language test, and recommendations are offered for future research in this area. (Contains 4 figures, 8 tables, and 9 footnotes.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 34
Entry Date: 2012
Accession Number: EJ985452
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This article reports on the development and piloting of a vocabulary recognition test designed for Indigenous Australian children. The research is both application oriented and development oriented. The aims of the article are to determine how well the test is used as a test instrument and the extent to which children recognize vocabulary items in Walmajarri (a local Indigenous language still spoken mainly by the older generation). The test was developed in collaboration with one community and extended to three neighboring communities where the same Indigenous language is spoken. Children's receptive knowledge of vocabulary items (nouns) in Walmajarri was tested, with 80 child participants across all communities. The usability of the test is discussed, as well as results of this language test, and recommendations are offered for future research in this area. (Contains 4 figures, 8 tables, and 9 footnotes.)
ISSN:1543-4303
DOI:10.1080/15434303.2011.653918