Languages across the world have unique phonemic systems. For individuals learning English as a second language, it is common for the phonemic system of their first language to influence the production of sounds in English.
Please remember that dialectal differences exist for each language and should be considered when using the phonemic charts.
Identify sounds in a client's phonological system for languages other than English.
Determine phonemic influences of a client's native language on English.
Identify sounds from the client's first language that may not exist in English or identify sounds in English that do not exist in someone's native language.
Recognize that even if there are similar sounds across two languages, they may not be used the same way. For example, in some languages a sound may only be used at the ends of words and not as a word-initial sound.
Correlate the client's audiogram and the sounds of the client's language(s).
Recognize and respond to amplification needs.
Identify the effect of the individual's phonemic system on speech audiometry assessment.
Modify materials and procedures during speech audiometry assessment.
CIRRIE: An Introduction to the Culture of El Salvador for Providers of Disability Services in the U.S.
CIRRIE: An Introduction to Vietnamese Culture for Rehabilitation Service Providers in the U.S.
ASHA's policy documents state that SLPs and audiologists must consider the sound systems of all the languages used by a client in order to provide appropriate assessment and treatment services.
If you have any questions, please contact ASHA's Office of Multicultural Affairs at multicultural@asha.org.