Multicultural Issues

Question

Answer

1. You must consider differences in languages and how words are interpreted--whether formal language is needed.



2. You must consider gender roles in many cultures; sometimes speaking to the mom instead of the dad is a ''slap in the face'' in some cultures. And in others it would be acceptable. Learn about this aspect of the culture of your
   patient.



3. Learn about the customs of that culture; certain vocabulary words might be insulting if used with children or adults; be careful not to talk ''down'' to persons of different cultures so as not to offend them. And please don't raise your voice--they are from a different culture--- not deaf.



4. There is linguistic diversity, cultural diversity, ethnic diversity for example. Respect the need for an interpreter if appropriate; respect native costumes or ''dress'' as appropriate for the clinic; learn about the customs of the culture so you will use appropriate stimulus materials; i.e. Don't show a farm and farm animals to an inner city child who has never seen one; don't use certain edible reinforcers without knowing if there are dietary restrictions based on religion or culture; Don't use edible reinforcers without checking if the culture is fasting, i.e. Muslims are in Ramadan now and don't eat until dinner time.



5. Many cultures do not do well with homework assignments in therapy. There is family time at home but not for doing schoolwork or therapy homework. Be sure to understand that about the culture and establish carryover in a more
   appropriate manner.



6. Based on the first language spoken, make sure that the lesson plans reflect realistic goals, i.e. In Spanish, words don't begin with an /s/ sound as in ''Esquela'' for school. So the child might say, ''Eh School'' for the
   English word school. That is a natural mistake directly from the first language rules. But remember it is not a mistake in the first language. Many Asian languages are tonal so intonation will often be a problem in learning
   English. Take this into consideration when planning lessons in that voice parameter.



7. Develop a trust with the person from the new culture. Altought they are in the USA, they often don't trust this culture from the start. The person has to learn to trust the American Culture with its many odd customs and
   protocols. Often you will hear, ''Why do Americans do it this way,'' for example.



8. Class differences exist in many cultures. we must respect those differences and learn what they are so we don't insult the patient and his/her family.



9. Don't assume that if a person has a language disorder in English, the second language, that there is no language disorder in the first language. OFten, the language disorder exists in both languages. You must test for that to make sure.



10. I don't think it is wise to establish that you will ''rid the person of their current 'accent' when they learn English.'' Keeping their language and culture will make the patient feel more at ease about coming to therapy. The
    accent can be charming. Make the person feel that you respect their culture and its customs even though you don't understand all of them.



11. If the child has Two Mommies or Two Daddies, respect that. Leave your prejudices and beliefs at home and remember they are your prejudices and beliefs and ethically you should not push them onto the patient. Respect
    whatever the family structure is for that patient.



12. Remember, many cultures have ''differences'' but they are not necessarily ''disorders.'' Remember these differences cause people of that culture to face many social, educational, and occupational barriers. We don't have to make our
    therapy another barrier.



13. Some cultures are extremely private about their family and personal lives. Clinician should respect this privacy.



14. Some cultures protect their children to the point where they have difficulty in the school setting roles the child has to be in like dealing with adults, one to one basis, etc.



15. Various cultures respond to handicapped individuals differently; certain Middle east cultures cannot accept a handicapping condition.



16. Many cultures do not accept loud voices and speaking.



17. The role of the child and each adult varies from culture to culture



18. If the culture is not a ''child oriented'' culture, the parents are not often involved in the child's school achievements including therapy.



19. Signing forms to do an evaluation or therapy may be embarrassing to certain cultures.



20. Eye contact varies from culture to culture; respect that and don't make the child or adult make eye contact if that culture forbids it.