The intersections of language differences and learning disabilities: Narratives in action

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a critical synthesis of the literature on the intersections of language differences and learning disabilities (LD 1) using a sociocultural approach. Researchers have traditionally ignored the complex intertwining of these markers of differences. For this reason, we focus in this chapter on the growing population of emergent bilinguals 2 with LDs. We argue this population occupies a liminal space between language and ability differences, which is consequential because institutional practices can thrust emergent bilinguals into odd positions, sometimes stressing their language traits or needs; at other times, highlighting their disabilities. Emergent evidence suggests that living in this in-between space can sometimes limit these learners’ educational opportunities or create dilemmas, challenges, and/or puzzles for the research, practice, and policy communities.