# The Bilingual Phonology Lab

> I am Leah Fabiano, PhD, principal investigator of The Bilingual Phonology Lab. I lead research and mentorship focused on bilingual speech and language development, with particular attention to how assessment and services can better support children and families across languages and communities. Through collaborative scholarship, student development, and public engagement, I connect rigorous phonology research with more equitable communication care.

- Email: fabianoleahc@gmail.com
- Address: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

- **The Bilingual Child, LLC**: I provide bilingual speech and language support for children.

- **What does bilingual speech and language research focus on?** It examines how people learn and use more than one language, including speech sounds, language development, and communication across different contexts. This work helps professionals better understand typical variation and identify meaningful communication needs.
- **Why is it important to consider both languages when evaluating communication?** Looking at both languages provides a more complete picture of a person's communication abilities. It helps distinguish language differences from possible speech or language difficulties and supports more informed, respectful decisions.
- **Can bilingualism cause a speech or language disorder?** Bilingualism does not cause a speech or language disorder. A qualified professional considers patterns across the languages a person uses, along with development and communication needs, rather than treating multilingualism itself as a problem.
- **How can research improve speech and language services?** Research can help professionals develop fairer assessment methods, stronger clinical practices, and resources that reflect diverse language backgrounds. It also highlights barriers that may affect access to appropriate communication support.
- **How can families and professionals support bilingual children?** Families can continue using the languages that are meaningful and natural to them, while professionals can listen carefully to each child's communication across settings. Collaboration and culturally responsive guidance help create support that respects the child's identity and everyday experiences.

## Services

- [Bilingual Speech Research](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/bilingual-speech-research.md): I study speech sound development and impairment in bilingual children.
- [Speech Assessment Studies](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/bilingual-speech-assessment.md): I investigate bilingual speech and language assessment through research studies.
- [Graduate Research Mentoring](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/graduate-research-mentoring.md): I mentor students in bilingualism, phonology, and communication sciences research.
- [Academic Presentations](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/phonology-academic-presentations.md): I share research findings through talks, conferences, and educational media.

## Contact & Social

- [instagram](https://instagram.com/bilingual_fablab)

## Pages

- [Home](https://bilingual-fablab.com/index.md)
- [Bilingual Assessment Study](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/bilingual-speech-assessment.md)
- [Bilingual Speech Study](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/bilingual-speech-research.md)
- [Focused Research Guidance](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/graduate-research-mentoring.md)
- [Research Talk Development](https://bilingual-fablab.com/services/phonology-academic-presentations.md)