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My client speaks more than one language. Which language should I test?
Some bilingual individuals and monolingual individuals are proficient in their native language but not in English. Assessment and intervention of speech and language disorders of limited English proficient speakers should be conducted in the client's primary language.T here are bilingual individuals who are truly communicatively handicapped, possessing limited communication competence in both languages. For such individuals, speech and language should be assessed in both languages to determine language dominance.
See "Clinical Management of Communicatively Handicapped Minority Language Populations" for more information.
How do you work with an interpreter?
Interpreters or translators could be used with minority language speakers when the following circumstances exist:
- when the certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist on the staff does not meet the recommended competencies to provide services to limited-English proficient speakers;
- when an individual who needs services speaks a language which is uncommon for that local area; and
- when there are no trained professionals readily available with proficiency in that language that would permit the use of one of the previously described alternative strategies.
Individuals who could serve as interpreters or translators can include
- professional interpreters from language banks or professional interpreting services,
- bilingual professional staff from a health or education discipline other than communication disorders, or
- a family member or friend of the client.
See "Clinical Management of Communicatively Handicapped Minority Language Populations" for more information.
For more information on the Web, visit the page "Tips for Working with an Interpreter".
In what language should I do therapy?
The most appropriate language for intervention would be determined from the assessment. If the most appropriate language for intervention is the minority language, then the competencies recommended for serving limited English proficient speakers should be met to provide therapy. If the most appropriate language for intervention is English, proficiency in the minority language may not be necessary to provide therapy.
See "Clinical Management of Communicatively Handicapped Minority Language Populations" for more information.
Where can I find a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist/Audiologist?
Use our "Find a Professional" service, or contact ASHA at multicultural@asha.org.
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