Pragmatic Speech and Language Therapy for Bengali Speaking Children with Hearing Impairment

Abstract

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is vital in acquiring speech and language for children with hearing impairment (CHI). Many researchers worldwide have discovered different approaches and factors to make SLT more effective for hearing impaired children. This study attempted to find the gaps between the parents' and therapists' views about implementing pragmatic therapy. In addition, it also investigated the parents' and therapists' perceptions about the barriers to implementing effective therapy for CHI in Bangladesh. Finding gaps between parents and therapists as well as barriers to implementing effective therapy for CHI in Bangladesh illustrates the current scenario of speech and language therapy for CHI in Bangladesh. By addressing all these identified shortcomings, we can ensure higher quality and more accountability in SLT, as well as raise awareness among therapists and relevant authorities about the pragmatic approach to speech and language therapy for CHI in the Bangladeshi context, which is the main goal of this research. To design speech and language therapy, the findings of various research outcomes play vital roles in developing the speech and language of CHI. The present research is based on the views and opinions of both Speech and Language Therapists (SALT) and Parents of hearing-impaired children. This study used a qualitative approach, with data collected via a semi-structured questionnaire. Of the 36 participants, 12 were SALT who provide speech therapy for hearing impaired children and adults, and the rest of 24 participants were parents of hearing-impaired children who had been receiving therapy under the supervision of those speech therapists for at least one year. Qualitative reasoning was used by evaluating the participant's experiences, research findings, and contextual observations. The results indicated that in the Bangladeshi context, some obstacles are impacting the effectiveness of speech and language therapy for Bengali-speaking hearing-impaired children. Analysis of collected data revealed that although the found factors (from literature) are significant enough, some of them are implemented by therapists, but not all of them are properly implemented in the context of Bangladesh due to some barriers and negligence. Therefore, according to therapists and parents of HI children, pragmatic features of SLT for Bengali-speaking hearing impaired children could be developed in our country by overcoming these barriers. Considerations of this research outcome could play a vital role in improving the quality of speech and language therapy that will be beneficial not only for acquiring language and developing speech for Hearing Impaired (HI) children in Bangladesh, but also for having a positive impact on their overall life pattern. Thus, the present research could help to improve the quality of SLT in the Bangladeshi context so that it could be beneficial for Bengali-speaking hearing-impaired children.