Increasing Communication Effectiveness Between Bosnian-Speaking Clients and English-Speaking Clinicians

Author

Sumeja Seferovic, Fontbonne University

Year of Award

2015

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

College

College of Education & Allied Health

Department

Communication Disorders and Deaf Education

First Advisor

Lynne Shields

Second Advisor

Laura O'Hara

Third Advisor

Ben Moore

Keywords

Bosnia, language services, population, culture, SLP, disability, cross-cultural

Abstract

This two part qualitative study aimed to create a cultural model that will increase communication effectiveness between English-speaking speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and Bosnian speaking clients. The purpose of part one of the study was to find out whether there are consistent themes in how Bosnian individuals view different factors that involve speech-language therapy. The purpose of part two of the study was to find out what tools Bosnian-speaking individuals and English-speaking SLPs would find beneficial to increase communication effectiveness during therapy sessions. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to obtain detailed demographic information such as age, length of time in country, need of interpreter, and types of contacts for health/therapy needs. Live interviews gathered information from a subset of those completing the questionnaire including each participant’s view of disability, speech and language disorders, gender, age and communication styles, use of interpreters and preferred manner of exchanging information related to health/therapy services. The examiner collected themes that are considered representative of the population to create a model of the Bosnian populations’ experiences, views, and attitudes toward speech-language therapy and other considerations that could affect their participation in speech-language services. Increasing communication effectiveness between Bosnian clients and English clinicians.

Document Type

Restricted Thesis

Recommended Citation

Seferovic, Sumeja, "Increasing Communication Effectiveness Between Bosnian-Speaking Clients and English-Speaking Clinicians" (2015). All Theses, Dissertations, and Capstone Projects. 90.
https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/all-etds/90