Speech and Language Disorders in a Bilingual Context
A Home Language Approach
The role of the speech and language therapist
Speech and language therapists do NOT provide therapy for additional language learners (sometimes referred to as EAL learners) as bilingualism is not a disorder. However, children growing up with two or more languages are just as likely to experience speech and language disorders as their monolingual peers. If children have speech and language disorder, then these difficulties will be apparent in both or all their languages.
The benefits of a home language approach
Providing assessment and intervention (therapy) in the child's home language(s) protects against language attrition and ensures that the child or young person will be able to benefit from the excellent language models and cultural and linguistic experiences afforded by their extended family and community.
English-only (or majority language) therapy is not recommended as this often leads to monolingual English-speaking children who may be potentially cut off from their own parent(s), family or culture as a result.
Providing home language intervention will not slow down English (or mainstream language) acquisition, and will not put the child or young person at risk of educational failure. To only offer English (or mainstream language) assessment and/or therapy is an example of institutional racism.
Guidelines
NHS guidelines, RCSLT clinical guidelines and the overwhelming scientific evidence supports a home language approach.
- NHS:
- RCSLT:
- Clinical Guidelines (Member's log-in required for full page access)
- From 2023 the Health and Professions Council include the need to offer home language assessment and therapy in the Standards of Proficiency for Speech and Language Therapists.
Resources