Full Schedule

Addressing a paucity of training in multilingual research methods, we propose a unique workshop to provide child health researchers with pragmatic skills to engage Limited English Proficiency (LEP) children and families in research. In the US, there are approximately 7.8 million children and adolescents with no English-proficient parents and approximately 2.4 million children who are themselves English language learners. Asian and Latino children are over-represented in LEP populations and under-represented in pediatric research. By offering training in multilingual research methods, we hope to help transform the practice of pediatric research by making inclusion of LEP children and families the norm rather than the exception.

The workshop will begin with a brief introduction in which the facilitators—who include applied linguists, professional interpreters, and multidisciplinary child health researchers—will share foundational concepts about language and multilingual research. We will also review the ethical and practical implications of inclusion of LEP children and families, e.g., better adherence to NIH policies. Subsequently, we will break into small groups for facilitated, hands-on activities to teach practical approaches to multilingual research, including selecting study instruments that are appropriate for multilingual data collection; selecting and applying a translation strategy; budgeting; and communicating effectively when working with an interpreter. We will then reconvene as a larger group for reflection. Dialogue throughout will create space for attendees to explore and collectively problem-solve challenges in multilingual research. We will close the workshop by exchanging contact information to encourage the development of a scientific community of child health researchers whose protocols are inclusive or seek to become inclusive of LEP children and families.