Original Research

Speech-language assessment in a linguistically diverse setting: Preliminary exploration of the possible impact of informal ‘solutions’ within the South African context

Joanne Barratt, Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Kwandinjabulo Msimang
South African Journal of Communication Disorders | Vol 59, No 1 | a20 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v59i1.20 | © 2012 Joanne Barratt, Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Kwandinjabulo Msimang | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 19 February 2012 | Published: 04 December 2012

About the author(s)

Joanne Barratt, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Kwandinjabulo Msimang, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Speech-language therapists (SLTs) working in the context of cultural and linguistic diversity face considerable challenges in providing equitable services to all clients. This is complicated by the fact that the majority of SLTs in South Africa are English or Afrikaans speakers, while the majority of the population have a home language other than English/Afrikaans. Consequently, SLTs are often forced to call on untrained personnel to act as interpreters or translators, and to utilise informally translated materials in the assessment and management of clients with communication impairments. However, variations in translation have the potential to considerably alter intervention plans. This study explored whether the linguistic complexity conveyed in translation of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) test changed when translated from English to isiZulu by five different first-language IsiZulu speakers. A qualitative comparative research design was adopted and results were analysed using comparative data analysis. Results revealed notable differences in the translations, with most differences relating to vocabulary and semantics. This finding holds clinical implications for the use of informal translators as well as for the utilisation of translated material in the provision of speech-language therapy services in multilingual contexts. This study highlights the need for cautious use of translators and/or translated materials that are not appropriately and systematically adapted for local usage. Further recommendations include a call for intensified efforts in the transformation of the profession within the country, specifically by attracting greater numbers of students who are fluent in African languages.

Keywords

No related keywords in the metadata.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 8617
Total article views: 10685

 

Crossref Citations

1. Naturalistic language sample analysis practices used by speech-language pathologists for the language assessment of multilingual children: A systematic review with a narrative summary
Petria Winter, Juan Bornman, Jeannie van der Linde
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology  first page: 1  year: 2026  
doi: 10.1080/17549507.2026.2630839

2. Eye movement as a simple, cost-effective tool for people who stutter: A case study
Hilary D.-L. McDonagh, Patrick Broderick, Kenneth Monaghan
South African Journal of Communication Disorders  vol: 70  issue: 1  year: 2023  
doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v70i1.968

3. Culturally Responsive Practices for Improved Speech-language Pathology and Audiology Interventions in South Africa
Thilendree Kyarkanaye, Olanrewaju Oladimeji
The Open Public Health Journal  vol: 18  issue: 1  year: 2025  
doi: 10.2174/0118749445351286241226110555

4. The cat on a hot tin roof? Critical considerations in multilingual language assessments
Thandeka Mdlalo, Penelope S. Flack, Robin W. Joubert
South African Journal of Communication Disorders  vol: 66  issue: 1  year: 2019  
doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v66i1.610

5. The Western Aphasia Battery: a systematic review of research and clinical applications
Andrew Kertesz
Aphasiology  vol: 36  issue: 1  first page: 21  year: 2022  
doi: 10.1080/02687038.2020.1852002

6. Language rights and publication practices in aphasia research: lessons learned from developing aphasia assessments in multiple languages
Yina M. Quique, Anthony Pak-Hin Kong, Abena Asiedua Owusu Antwi, Caroline Jagoe
Aphasiology  first page: 1  year: 2025  
doi: 10.1080/02687038.2025.2508444

7. South African audiologists need business skills to survive: toward a responsive curriculum
Ben Sebothoma, Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Nomfundo Moroe
Frontiers in Education  vol: 10  year: 2025  
doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1460726

8. Perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation
Nadia M. Souchon, Esedra Krüger, Renata Eccles, Bhavani S. Pillay
African Journal of Disability  vol: 9  year: 2020  
doi: 10.4102/ajod.v9i0.713

9. The Use of Nonword Keywords in the Speech Assessment of English Second Language Learners
Lauren Ross, Salomé Geertsema, Mia le Roux, Marien Alet Graham
Communication Disorders Quarterly  vol: 42  issue: 1  first page: 12  year: 2020  
doi: 10.1177/1525740119857985

10. Describing the Spoken Language Skills of Typically Developing Afrikaans-Speaking Children Using Language Sample Analysis: A Pilot Study
Petria Liebenberg, Jeannie van der Linde, Isabella Schimper, Febe de Wet, Marien Graham, Juan Bornman
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools  vol: 54  issue: 2  first page: 518  year: 2023  
doi: 10.1044/2022_LSHSS-22-00077

11. Collaboration in Early Childhood Intervention Services
Thilendree Kyarkanaye, Shakila Dada, Alecia Samuels
Infants & Young Children  vol: 38  issue: 3  first page: 224  year: 2025  
doi: 10.1097/IYC.0000000000000296

12. Language and culture in speech-language and hearing professions in South Africa: The dangers of a single story
Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Munyane Mophosho
South African Journal of Communication Disorders  vol: 65  issue: 1  year: 2018  
doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v65i1.594

13. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in South Africa: Reflections on Transformation in Professional Training and Practice Since the End of Apartheid
Sharon Moonsamy, Anniah Mupawose, Jaishika Seedat, Munyane Mophosho, Dhanashree Pillay
Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups  vol: 2  issue: 17  first page: 30  year: 2017  
doi: 10.1044/persp2.SIG17.30

14. Beyond lip service: Towards human rights-driven guidelines for South African speech-language pathologists
Michelle Pascoe, Daleen Klop, Thandeka Mdlalo, Mikateko Ndhambi
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology  vol: 20  issue: 1  first page: 67  year: 2018  
doi: 10.1080/17549507.2018.1397745