The Effectiveness of an Embedded Programme to Increase the Linguistic Responsiveness of Caregivers in an Orphanage in South Africa

Abstract

Children who reside in orphanages are at risk of developmental delay, particularly with regard to communicative competence. Linguistic responsiveness of caregivers, which is central to the development of communication, has been found to be lacking in orphanages. This study determined the effectiveness of an embedded programme to modify caregiver linguistic responsiveness in an impoverished orphanage in South Africa. Two caregivers participated in the study. A pre-test post-test design was used. Linguistic responsiveness was evaluated using the Teacher Interaction and Language Rating Scale (Girolametto, Weitzman & Greenberg, 2000) and a checklist of child directed speech behaviours. A three-week embedded programme was implemented to teach a set of responsiveness strategies to the caregivers. Outcome measures were collected at two weeks and again ten months after the intervention was provided. The linguistic responsiveness of the caregivers changed but waned over time in the absence of ongoing support. The responsiveness strategies that were maintained over time required less linguistic flexibility than those strategies that waned. This study provides impetus for further research into methods that can be used to modify the linguistic responsiveness of caregivers, as well as to determine factors that influence linguistic responsiveness. Implications for language policies in orphanages might be informed by the findings.