Cross-linguistic and -cultural early communication intervention: the lived experiences of speech-language therapists
Date
2023-08
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Litnet
Abstract
ABSTRACT: In a population-diverse country like South Africa the speech-language therapist (SLT) and the client do not always represent the same language and culture. Clients are therefore often served in their second or even third language. This brings about various challenges, but also rewards, which can have an impact on the SLT’s experience of what it means to be an SLT providing early communication intervention (ECI) services. ECI refers to therapy provided to children with communication delays or disorders between the ages of 0 and 3 years in collaboration with their families. ECI must be culturally appropriate because it involves the child’s caregiver and natural environment. The study we describe here aims to capture the essence of the lived experiences of SLTs who practise cross-linguistically and cross-culturally (CLAC) in public hospitals and clinics in the Eastern Cape and along with that, aims to develop a deeper, richer understanding of their experiences working in this complex public health context. The public health sector provides 84% of South African citizens with healthcare services, which means that only 16% are served by the private sector (Pillay, Tiwari, Kathard and Chikte 2020). According to the country’s most recent population group analysis, the South African public consists of 81% black, 8,8% brown, 2,5% Indian and 7,9% white persons (Department of Communication 2019). Regarding the analysis of home language speakers, Zulu is spoken by most individuals nationwide (25,3%), Xhosa by 14,8% and Afrikaans by 12,2%. English is a home language to 8% of individuals (Statistics South Africa 2018). Since the start of the Department of Health’s community service programme in 1998, the demographic profile of local SLTs has not changed significantly, with 94,6% of SLTs still being female and 59,9% of SLTs white and female (Pillay et al. 2020). The remaining 40% of SLTs represent other cultural groups, which indicates progress. Pillay et al. (2020) found that in a population of 58 million people, only 2,643 persons are qualified SLTs.
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CITATION: Botha M, & Gerber B 2023. Cross-linguistic and -cultural early communication intervention: the lived experiences of speech-language therapists.
The original publication is available at: https://www.litnet.co.za
The original publication is available at: https://www.litnet.co.za
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Citation
Botha M, & Gerber B 2023. Cross-linguistic and -cultural early communication intervention: the lived experiences of speech-language therapists.