Manifestation of stuttering in bilingual learners with L1 Urdu and L2 English

Abstract

Stuttering in bilinguals is an area that has not received much attention in Pakistan. The present study draws on the manifestations of stuttering among bilingual learners, with L1 (Urdu) and L2 (English), who stutter. This research investigates the most common stuttering sounds found during L2 learning process, among 15 bilingual learners (10 to 12 years old). This study is an attempt to analyze stuttering in relation with the mother tongue and with stutter’s second language. The study also explores whether or not the cause of speech aphasia is neurogenic or psychogenic depending on the classroom environment. Different tools were used to collect the data,as suggested by the Sander’s (1972) framework. The findings indicate that vowels, bilabials, alveolar, velar and palato-alveolar are problematic sounds for bilingual learners who stutter. Moreover; stuttering is psychogenic speech disorder as compared to its neurogenic causes. The results regarding frequency of stuttering (L1 or L2) concur with the findings of Nwokah (1988) who ascertained that bilingual leaners who stutter were more likely to stutter in one language than in another.