Standardization and predictive validation of BATEDA, a tool for assessing language delays in French speaking preschool children from Cameroon

Abstract

We present the first standard language-assessment tool for French speaking preschool children in African countries like Cameroon. These countries are characterized by the absence of public services in speech and language disorders. From a sample of 159 French-speaking Cameroon children aged 4 and 5 years, we normalized the language tests using z-scores and percentile ranks. The test battery has a good inter-judge reliability, an internal consistency of about 96% (α = .958 Cronbach's) and a predictive validity of academic success of children (r = 0.728).