SLP Concerns

• Due to many negative stereotypes that Americans hold of Arabs, SLPs should make sure that families feel comfortable and understood.
• You may be more successful in communicating with families if they are informal and perceived as "family friends" rather than authority figures. It may be difficult for some families to trust those outside the extended family circle. Many Arabs do not feel comfortable going to strangers for help with problems.
• It may not be considered appropriate for female professionals to shake hands with male family members.
• SLPs should sit with good posture and dress formally to indicate respect for the family. It is considered disrespectful to talk when slouching, leaning against a wall, or holding one's hands in one's pocket.
• Many SLPs speak to the student's mother first. In some Middle Eastern families, the father is the official liaison between the family and any professional.
• It is important to find out family members' titles and use them. Omitting a title is an insult.
• Arab families may communicate emotionally during interactions with SLPs, a pattern of behavior that is viewed as acceptable within their culture.
• Do not be shocked if asked personal questions like "What is your salary?"
• The limited knowledge that many Arabs have about speech, language, and hearing services can affect their willingness to accept and participate in service delivery. They may feel uncomfortable utilizing services provided by a non-Arab.
• The mastery of self-help skills at an early age is often not considered critical in Middle Eastern families. SLPs should not label children as "delayed" based on developmental expectations for American-born, Anglo children.
• Arabs who are Muslim often rely on religiously-based rather than medically-based explanations about the cause of a disability.

Links

Home

Reference: Roseberry-McKibbin, Celeste (2008). Multicultural students with special language needs: Pratical strategies for assessment and intervention, pgs. 179-196. Oceanside, CA: Academic Communication Associates, Inc. ***Presented by: Brittany Churnovic, Missy Drapac, & Kim Zawacki