Development of a method for assessment of dysarthria in a foreign language: a pilot study. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Näsström, Ann-Kristin; Schalling, Ellika
• Is Part Of: Logopedics, phoniatrics, vocology. Volume 45:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Dysarthria -- dysarthria assessment -- systematic assessment -- foreign language; Language disorders -- Periodicals; Speech disorders -- Periodicals; Vocal cords -- Periodicals; Voice -- Periodicals; 616.855
• DOI: 10.1080/14015439.2019.1650392
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1401-5439

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: It is increasingly more common for Speech and Language Pathologists in Sweden to encounter individuals with dysarthria who speak a different language. The aim of the present pilot study was to develop and test a systematic method to be used in collaboration with an interpreter, for assessment of acquired dysarthria in people speaking a language not familiar to the Speech and Language Pathologist. Methods: Seven participants, speaking standard Arabic, were assessed by a Swedish speaking Speech and Language Pathologist using this method and with help of a certified interpreter. The participants were also assessed with equivalent test items from the Swedish "Dysarthria assessment, " with instructions translated to Arabic, by a Speech and Language Pathologist speaking standard Arabic and the results were compared. Results: There were no significant differences between the assessments by the Swedish speaking Speech and Language Pathologist and the Arabic speaking Speech and Language Pathologist in the domains "Respiration and phonation, " "Articulation, " "Listener Comprehension" and "Severity of dysarthria." There was a significant difference between assessments in the domain "Oromotor and velopharyngeal function." Intra- and inter-rater reliability was also calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and their 95% Confidence Interval. Intra-rater reliability was excellent and inter-rater reliability was very good. Conclusion: The study indicates that a Speech and Language Pathologist, with help of an interpreter, can carry out an assessment of dysarthria in a language unknown to the Speech and Language Pathologist with results comparable to results from an assessment carried out by a Speech and Language Pathologist who speaks the foreign language.