Abstract:
This paper reports on the development of a phonological assessment tool used with Samoanspeaking children growing up in New Zealand. In designing such an assessment we discuss both linguistic and cultural issues pertaining to the creation and piloting of the assessment. These include the need for an alternative method to score code switching between the two stylistic registers of Samoan and the acceptance of transference patterns into the variety of Samoan spoken. Initial findings from the pilot undertaken with four-year-old children are also discussed. A focus is given to the type of phonological error patterns produced by children in this age range.