Strengthening Early Language Skills in Young Diverse Learners: A Scoping Review of Culturally Responsive Approaches

In this scoping review, we aimed to explore effective early language intervention strategies for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, we conducted searches in two electronic databases using specific inclusion criteria. An established coding framework was applied to assess the quality of the articles and to determine both the study quality indicators and the strength of the individual intervention strategies described. A total of 41 articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on quality indicators, 11 studies were classified as compelling , 9 as promising , and 21 as emerging . From these peer-reviewed sources, culturally responsive early language intervention strategies were charted and organized into seven domains. Thirty-eight impactful strategies that support the language development of young CLD children and their families were identified. Many sources emphasized caregiver engagement, culturally responsive language stimulation techniques, and narrative-based methods, all of which support natural, culturally rich learning environments.