According to the U.S. Census Bureau, languages other than English are on the rise. The National Center for Education Statistics has found a growing number of English Language Learners (ELL) as well. With advances in healthcare, technology, and access to care, service providers are likely to encounter others that need services in English and or another language. SLPs that work with those from different cultural backgrounds and/or different linguistic backgrounds must be culturally and clinically competent to provide services of the highest quality to those in need. Linguistic competence is also helpful but not a necessity, i.e., the SLP need not be fluent in the patient’s primary language; however, the SLP should have some knowledge and/or access to resources that will help him or her to make clinical judgments that are in the patient’s best interest. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides us with some things to consider when considering service delivery in a language other than English.
Clinical Competence
Clinical competence is related to the provider’s skill level in a particular area. For instance, not all SLPs are competent providers of swallowing services nor are they all prepared to work with stuttering. Many SLPs focus their skills in certain areas while others embrace a generalist approach.
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to the provider’s level of familiarity with another person’s culture. What may be considered acceptable for some may be completely inappropriate for others. Personal space is a great example. In some cultures it is fine to stand in close proximity to your speaking partner while in others this is considered a violation of personal space.
Linguistic Competence
Linguistic competence can also be referred to as linguistic proficiency. SLPs who work with those that speak a language other than their own should be familiar with the rules that apply to the patient’s primary language. Not all SLPs are prepared to work with non-English speakers, bilingual patients, or multi-lingual patients.
Linguistic competence can also be referred to as linguistic proficiency. SLPs who work with those that speak a language other than their own should be familiar with the rules that apply to the patient’s primary language. Not all SLPs are prepared to work with non-English speakers, bilingual patients, or multi-lingual patients.
When seeking services for those who speak and/or are regularly exposed to languages other than English it is very important that SLPs do some self-analysis. Likewise, it is important that those seeking services ask their potential SLP about their levels of proficiency with the three above-mentioned areas. All are critical components that help to increase high quality, efficacious services.
If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information.
