Global knowledge in 131 languages and dialects about children’s speech development, assessment, and intervention

 The following manuscript has been accepted for publication. I am so proud of this work.

McLeod, S. & Blake, H. L. (2026, in press February) Global knowledge in 131 languages and dialects about children’s speech development, assessment, and intervention. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics.

Here is the abstract

This paper exhorts communication specialists to look beyond English language knowledge by providing evidence to disrupt the unsubstantiated belief that there are few assessment and intervention resources for supporting multilingual children’s speech. The Multilingual Children’s Speech website https://www.csu.edu.au/research/multilingual-speech/home has curated 1,337 (mostly free) resources for supporting multilingual children’s speech acquisition, assessment, and intervention in 131 of the world’s languages and dialects (86 languages). Specifically, there are 658 speech acquisition studies in 55 languages, 423 speech assessment resources in 77 languages, and 178 speech intervention resources in 21 languages. This free website includes links to assessment tools, intervention manuals, journal articles, books, chapters, theses, and video recordings for 16 of the top 20 most spoken languages in the world and many minority languages, Indigenous languages (e.g., Māori, Samoan, Sesotho, Setswana, Warlpiri, isiXhosa, Zapotec, isiZulu) and languages and dialects impacted by colonization and slavery (e.g., African American English, Fiji English, Jamaican Creole, Tok Pisin). Only 17.95% of the resources are about English, with 51.68% about 39 other Indo-European languages, and 30.37% about 46 languages belonging to 15 non-Indo-European language families. Previous analyses of curated knowledge about children’s development in psychology and linguistics have found a WEIRD bias “Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic societies”; however, only 29.07% of the languages included on the Multilingual Children’s Speech website are WEIRD. While only 1.23% of the 7000 world languages are represented on the website, these assessment and intervention resources will continue to grow due to ongoing work of multilingual communication specialists across the globe. 

Kate Margetson concludes her postdoc (in Greece)

Kate Margetson has worked with me 2 days a week for 18 months on her postdoc - which concludes now. Her postdoc was funded by a Commonwealth grant to the Rural Health Research Institute.

It has been a VERY productive time focusing on supporting speech-language pathologists to work with multilingual children in unfamiliar languages.

The end of Kate's postdoc coincided with the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA) conference in Patras, Greece. Kate presented two papers from her PhD and postdoc and had so many opportunities to network and plan the next steps of her research journey. 

It has been such a privilege to work with Kate and learn from her. I am glad she has a continuing position as a lecturer in the speech pathology course at Charles Sturt University so that we can continue to collaborate as colleagues.

Kate presenting work from her postdoc at ICPLA

Kate and Sharynne in Corinth on the way home from ICPLA

Helen Blake, Sharynne  and Kate Margetson at the ICPLA conference dinner

Kate Margetson discussed the SACHL with the President of the International Phonetics Association (IPA)

Launch of the Oxford Handbook of Speech Development in Languages of the World

The Oxford Handbook of Speech Development in Languages of the World edited by Charles Sturt University Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod presents a transformative approach to overcome traditional English- and Western-centric biases by respecting and acknowledging longstanding traditions of research, theories, and knowledge from a wide range of countries and cultures – including knowledge not previously translated into English. Languages spoken by First Nations people and traditionally marginalized groups are given equivalent status to majority languages, and the language maps, resources, and pronunciation guides have been created using a rights-based, social justice approach, acknowledging the impact of colonization. 

This remarkable book was written by 173 authors from across the globe. It contains 1008 pages and 80 chapters covering 49 languages and 27 dialects with companion audio recordings of children and adults. A Charles Sturt YouTube channel presents a free summary of each chapter in English and the target language (https://www.csu.edu.au/research/multilingual-speech/speech-acquisition/multilingual-childrens-speech-development). 

The Handbook was launched at the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA) conference in Patras, Greece on Thursday 26th June 2025. The CSU authors in the book are: Prof Sharynne McLeod , Dr Helen L. Blake, Dr Suzanne C. Hopf, A/Prof Sarah Verdon, Dr Kate Margetson, Holly McAlister. CSU Adjunct  staff authors are: A/Prof Kate Crowe, Dr Van H. Tran, A/Prof Ben Pham.

This volume presents a paradigm shift in the world’s knowledge about children’s speech development. Each of the chapters follows the same structure, facilitating comparison across languages and dialects. Researchers and students can identify relationships between common and unique elements of children’s speech to develop new theories and enhance understanding. Crucially, the curated data in the chapters can be used by communication specialists to collaborate with families and communities, in order to support children’s home language maintenance and speech development. 

More information: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-handbook-of-speech-development-in-languages-of-the-world-9780192868862
 

Chapter authors presenting in our 3-hour seminar based on the book's content

No one wanted to "eat the children" until we asked some children who were attending with their parents for permission!

International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA) 20th conference, Patras, Greece

This week the 20th conference of the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA) is held from the 24th to 27th of June 2025 at the University of Patras, Conference and Cultural Centre, Greece, hosted by Dr Eleftheria Geronikou https://logoth.upatras.gr/en/icpla2025/

There are four of us representing Charles Sturt University: Dr Helen L. Blake, Dr Suzanne Hopf and Dr Kate Margetson - everyone has multiple roles during the conference. Here are the presentations I am involved in:

1.  McLeod, S. & Blake, H. L. (2025, June). Children’s speech development around the world: A transformative paradigm shift. [3-hour symposium presentation]. International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association Conference, Patras, Greece.
2. Blake, H. L. & McLeod, S. (2025, June). Children’s speech development around the world in 170+ recordings. [Oral presentation]. International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association Conference, Patras, Greece.
3. Margetson, K. & McLeod, S. (2025, June). Developing a clinical protocol for assessing speech in languages that you do not speak: The Speech Assessment of Children’s Home Language(s) (SACHL). [Oral presentation]. International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association Conference, Patras, Greece.
4. Davies, A., Wren, Y., & McLeod, S. (2025, June). Understanding intelligibility in children born with cleft lip and/or palate: Findings from the Cleft Collective Cohort Study. [Oral presentation]. International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association Conference, Patras, Greece.

I am the President of ICPLA so have a busy week of duties. 

• Tuesday - I am chairing the International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children's Speech and opening the conference
• Wednesday - I am chairing sessions, co-presenting a paper with Kate Margetson and Yvonne Wren, and I am receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Patras.
• Thursday -  I am launching The Oxford Handbook of Speech Development in Languages of the World, co-chairing and presenting in a session with 16 presentations from around the world on multilingual children's speech (1:30-6:15pm), chairing the business meeting, and attending the conference dinner
• Friday -  I am co-presenting a paper with Helen Blake, presenting at the awards ceremony and farewell ceremony.

Sharynne  with conference chair Eleftheria Geronikou

CSU attendees: Dr Kate Margetson, Dr Helen L. Blake, Dr Suzanne Hopf, Prof Sharynne McLeod

Sharynne  opening the conference as ICPLA President

Sharynne with ICPLA founders: Martin J. Ball and Nicole Muller

Keynote speaker: George

Kate and Karla with a conference fan and hat to keep us cool since it was 40oC on one of the days!

Sharynne with Annette Fox-Boyer's current and ex-PhD students from Germany

Presidents

HDR students from Edinburgh and Sydney

Helen Blake presenting one of our papers

Conference dinner with keynote speaker Frank Guenther

Kristian Kristofferson (Norway) at the poster session

ICPLA colleagues at the conference dinner

Colleagures from Poland: Agetha and Paulina

ICPLA conference organising committee and students

Last day: Helen, Kate, Sharynne  and Anniek

Spanish/USA contingent: Chelsea Sommer, Angela, Tania Flores

Honorary Doctorate - The University of Patras, Greece

Today (Wednesday 25th June 2025) I was honoured to be conferred as an Honorary Doctor of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy of the University of Patras, Greece.

https://www.upatras.gr/25-6-2025-teleti-anagorefsis-tis-sharynne-mcleod-distinguished-professor/ 

Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod with Rector Professor Christos J. Bouras

Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod with the Rector Professor Christos J. Bouras, Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences Elias M. Tsepis and members of the Speech Therapy Department

Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences Elias M. Tsepis, Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod, Professor Arhonto Terzi, Rector Professor Christos J. Bouras

Here is the recording of the ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/hy4L2B1EceI

Here is the booklet: https://www.upatras.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/%CE%A0%CE%A1%CE%9F%CE%A3%CE%9A%CE%9B%CE%97%CE%A3%CE%97-MCLEOD.pdf

Here is a description of the event from the University of Patras and the photograph below shows the order for the seven speeches:

The ceremony usually includes brief welcome addresses by university and school officials, a short presentation of the honoree, the reading of the official resolution in ancient Greek, and the conferral of the title. This is followed by the dressing of the honored person with the university toga and the presentation of the university medal. The event concludes with the honoree’s lecture, which typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on their preference.

Here are a list of others who have received an honorary doctorate: https://hss.upatras.gr/en/the-school/emeritus-professors/

Colleagues, friends and family from across the world were present to celebrate together

 
Here is the University of Patras website text:

25.6.2025 | Τελετή Αναγόρευσης της Sharynne McLeod Distinguished Professor του Τμήματος Λογοθεραπείας

Posted on12/06/2025AuthorΤμήμα Δημοσίων Σχέσεων & Εκδηλώσεων

Η Sharynne McLeod Distinguished Professor θα αναγορευθεί Επίτιμη Διδάκτορας του Τμήματος Λογοθεραπείας του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, την Τετάρτη 25 Ιουνίου 2025 και ώρα 19:00 στην Αίθουσα Τελετών «Οδυσσέας Ελύτης». Το έργο και την προσωπικότητα της τιμώμενης θα παρουσιάσει η Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια Ελευθερία Α. Γερονίκου, ενώ θα ακολουθήσει η αναγόρευση της τιμώμενης σε Επίτιμη Διδάκτορα του Τμήματος Λογοθεραπείας από την Αντιπρόεδρο του Τμήματος, Καθηγήτρια Αρχόντω Ν. Τερζή. Η περιένδυση της τιμώμενης θα πραγματοποιηθεί από τον Πρύτανη του Πανεπιστημίου, Καθηγητή Χρήστο Μπούρα. Η εκδήλωση της επιτιμοποίησης θα ολοκληρωθεί με την ομιλία της Sharynne McLeod με τίτλο: «Children should be seen AND heard: The importance of communication so children can thrive»

 Here is the translation

25.6.2025 | Sharynne McLeod Distinguished Professor of the Department of Speech Therapy

Posted on12/06/2025 AuthorDepartment of Public Relations & Events

Sharynne McLeod Distinguished Professor will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the Department of Speech Therapy of the University of Patras, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 19:00 at the "Odysseus Elytis" Ceremony Hall. The work and personality of the honored will be presented by the Assistant Professor Eleftheria A. Geronikos, followed by the award of the Honorary Doctorate of the Department of Speech Therapy by the Vice President of the Department, Professor Archonto N. Terzi. Terzi. The entrenchment of the honored will be carried out by the Rector of the University, Professor Christos Bouras. The renaissance event will conclude with Sharynne McLeod's speech entitled: "Children should be seen and heard: The importance of communication so children can thrive"  

It was followed by a dinner with members of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy, my husband, colleagues from Charles Sturt University, and Prof Lynn Williams from USA.

What a very special day. 

 Comments from Prof Lynn Williams

What a very special evening it was to celebrate your honorary doctorate from the University of Patras. I’m so proud of your many contributions to the world—and especially of your passionate advocacy for children’s rights and for everyone’s right to communication. I’m honored to be able to work with you and to witness the impact of your work across the globe. 

Preparing for ICPLA

Today Helen Blake and I spent the day preparing for ICPLA. We worked on the feedback from the International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children's Speech (IEPMCS) in preparation for tomorrow's meeting, the changes necessary to the 3 hour presentation on multilingual children's speech due to presenters not being able to attend due to the world's conflicts, ordering the cake for the launch of The Oxford Handbook of Speech Development in Languages of the World, networking with colleagues who have arrived at the conference hotel and answering and sending numerous emails. We are almost ready for ICPLA (and have such a wonderful view as our backdrop).

 

ICPLA 2025 organisation - Patras, Greece

I am the president of the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA). We are currently working on preparing the ICPLA conference that will take place from June 24–27, 2025, at the University of Patras, Conference and Cultural Centre, Greece.

The conference site will be hosted on the University of Patras, Department of Speech and Language Therapy website, at the following link: https://logoth.upatras.gr/en/icpla2025/

The conference e-mail: icpla2025@upatras.gr

• Abstract Submission: Opens Tuesday, October 15, 2024, and closes Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
• Review process: send abstracts for review before Christmas holidays – 20th January
• Notification of Acceptance: Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Keynote speakers:

• Dr Claire Timmins (Glasgow, UK) –Teaching Phonetics
• Professor Frank Guenther (Boston, USA) – The DIVA Model of Speech Production

 

ICPLA 2025 website

I am the ICPLA President, and am excited that the ICPLA 2025 conference plans are underway. The ICPLA 2025 website is available: https://logoth.upatras.gr/en/icpla2025/ The conference email address is: icpla2025@upatras.gr The conference chair is: Dr Eleftheria Geronikou, Department of Speech and Language Therapy, University of Patras

Extraction of primary maxillary incisors and children’s speech production: A case series

The following manuscript has been accepted for publication: 

Hurley, C. R., McLeod, S., & Anthonappa, R. P. (2024, in press). Extraction of primary maxillary incisors and children’s speech production: A case series. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699206.2024.2355481

Here is the abstract:

Dental caries (tooth decay) is a disease with a significant global burden. Management may necessitate the extraction of teeth to restore oral health. The association between dental extractions and children’s speech is unclear, with clinical implications for speech-language pathologists and dentists. This case series describes a prospective study reporting the impact of primary maxillary incisor teeth extraction on speech sound accuracy for three children (C1 aged 5;6 (years;months), C2 aged 4;6, C3 aged 3;10). Their speech was assessed using the Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology (DEAP) and the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) before (T1) and 1 month after dental treatment (T2). Speech analysis included the percentage of consonants correct (PCC) and error type analyses. Caregiver and child perception of the child’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed pre-and post-operatively using a modified Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old children (SOHO-5). At T1 all three children scored >1 standard deviation below the mean on normative data in the DEAP. There was no clinically significant change in PCC for any child (C1 T1:89.6%, T2:90.6%, C2 T1:78.0%, T2:75.9%, C3 T1:56.1%, T2:63.1%). OHRQoL measures were improved for C1 by the carergiver report and remained stable for C2 and C3 and all child reports. Speech sound difficulties were present before dental treatment in all participants and extraction of primary maxillary incisors did not significantly impact speech production. Dental extractions appear to be independent from speech production in this case series of preschool children.

This paper documents part of the research undertaken by Caitlin during her Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Western Australia supervised by Robert Anthonappa and myself. She presented this work at the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association Conference in Salzburg last year. Congratulations Caitlin!

Speech and teeth: Working with Caitlin in three countries

I am co-supervising Caitlin Hurley's research for her Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry that she is undertaking at the University of Western Australia. Over the past two months we have worked together in three countries: Australia, Austria and New Zealand.

Analysing speech data at The University of Auckland, NZ

President of the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA)

 I am very honoured to report that while in Salzburg, I was nominated and elected as President of the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA) for the next 4 years. Vice President is A/Prof Joanne Cleland from University of Strathclyde, Scotland, UK and Secretary is Dr Alice Lee from University College Cork in the Republic of Ireland. The editors of Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics (CLP) are Dr Tim Bressman (Canada) and Prof Vesna Stojanovik (UK).

I have had a long-standing relationship with ICPLA. I served as Australiasian representative from 2000-2006, then Vice President from 2006-2018. I have also served on the editorial board of CLP since 2006. I look forward to supporting knowledge exchange between the very diverse international membership of ICPLA.

The conference venue overlooked Fortress Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Castle)

ICPLA executive: Dr Alice Lee, A/Prof Joanne Cleland,
Prof Sharynne McLeod, Prof Vesna Stojanovik

ICPLA19 - Poster presentations

Australians have presented three posters at the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association (ICPLA) symposium:

• Poster #17 Caitlin Hurley, Sharynne McLeod and Robert Anthonappa: Children’s speech and premature loss of primary maxillary incisors
• Poster # 27 Sharynne McLeod and Julie Marshall: Accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals requires communication
• Poster #36 Kate Crowe, Harpa Stefánsdóttir, Egill Magnússon, Mark Guiberson, Thora Másdóttir, Ösp Vilberg Baldursdóttir and Inga Ágústsdóttir: How is speech intelligibility measured for children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing

Caitlin Hurley and Sharynne

Kate Crowe

Kate Crowe and Sharynne