Speech Therapy

You might already be aware that speech therapists can aid with communication. They do everything, but that’s only a small portion of communication. To communicate, one must first get the thoughts into one’s mind before getting theirs into their own. The language it uses and how words are combined to create messages make up a significant portion of communication. Speech therapists are employed for people who require assistance with speaking, swallowing, or thinking in schools, hospitals, private practices, and homes. Although it may seem complicated, professionals spend years acquiring specialized knowledge in areas like anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, child development, language, and more.  ​ 

The Role of Language Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The role of a language therapist involves assessing the patient’s communication abilities and developing a personalized treatment plan to improve their speech and language skills. Speech therapists use various techniques such as exercises, games, and activities to help patients overcome their communication difficulties. In South Africa, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the professionals who provide speech and language therapy services. SLPs can also assist patients who want to alter a specific aspect of their speech, such as improving speech fluency for stammering or changing their voice to better reflect who they are. To become an SLP in South Africa, one must complete a master’s degree in speech pathology and obtain a license from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Integrating Other Languages 

Integrating other languages in speech therapy is a common practice, especially when working with bilingual clients. The ability of multilingual speakers to switch between languages and treat the various languages that make up their vocabulary as an integrated system is termed trans-languaging. Bilinguals can therefore use their language resources to make sense of their life and their difficult words flexibly. Another approach is to use a bilingual approach which simultaneously directs attention to improving communication competency in both languages. This is accomplished by including shared elements between the two languages in the speech-language therapy goals. When working with culturally diverse clients, SLPs need to be mindful of trans-languaging. By embracing trans-languaging approaches, they may assist their clients in improving their linguistic abilities. 

Trans-languaging 

In speech therapy, trans-languaging practices can be incorporated by alternating between English and the desired language throughout the session. Trans-languaging strategies may include using key vocabulary, grammar and syntax structures in both languages (side to side), alternating between English and the desired language websites when researching specific information, asking students to take notes in both languages and combining two languages in one piece of writing. Trans-languaging allows bilinguals to make flexible use of their linguistic resources to make meaning of their lives and their complex worlds. Trans-languaging assumes that bilinguals who have one linguistic repertoire can select features strategically to communicate effectively. On the contrary, code-switching suggests that bilinguals employ two distinct language codes that do not overlap or make reference to one another.

Conclusion

Furthermore, one does not have to be a bilingual SLP to incorporate trans-language practices in the therapy room. SLPs who only speak one language can accomplish it and succeed to a significant extent.