ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore theories of language processing and development in the contexts of bilingualism, specific language impairment (SLI), and bilingual/multi-lingual children diagnosed with SLI. A review of theories of SLI causation involving bilingual children suggests that Dynamic Systems Theory is an approach that may help our understanding of the interface between SLI and bilingualism. Although, there has been further research in this area over the past decade, there is still a need for further investigation to evaluate characteristics of children with SLI who are from monolingual and multi-linguistic or bilingual backgrounds. Studies to test assumptions about SLI in general in these populations will ultimately lead to more appropriate assessments and interventions for multi-lingual children with SLI.
