Abstract :
The cross-overs between monolingual–bilingual and typically atypically developing
children are a goldmine for research on language development. The four
permutations of language exposure and language abilities create “natural experimental
conditions” for investigating the nature of the language capacity and how
this is shaped by input in typical development, and importantly, in specific language
impairment (SLI). Paradis has played a prominent part in identifying and exploring
this rich source of evidence. Her Keynote Article provides a valuable review of
findings from her own and others’ research, a carefully considered evaluation
of their compatibility with competing theories of language development, and an
excellent catalyst for debate.
