Naturalistic language sample analysis practices used by speech-language pathologists for the language assessment of multilingual children: A systematic review with a narrative summary

PURPOSE: Language sample analysis is an ecologically valid method for assessing the language of multilingual children. It is frequently used in research to obtain developmental data and in practice as an adjunct to language assessment. METHOD: A systematic review was done according to the PRISMA-P guidelines to identify and synthesise current naturalistic language sample analysis practices used by speech-language pathologists to assess the language of multilingual children. Four databases were searched, including ERIC, Linguistics Database, Scopus, and PubMed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULT: The search yielded 602 articles. After abstract-level screening, 57 articles were screened at full-text level. Fourteen articles were included in the review. Findings indicate wide variability in language sample analysis practices related to elicitation, transcription, and coding and analysis practices; which may hinder the consistent application of language sample analysis across contexts and highlight the need for further investigation. CONCLUSION: The review identified and synthesised several practices used with multilingual children to elicit, transcribe, code, and analyse language samples. Directions for further research and clinical implications are discussed.