Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Charlene Desir

Committee Member

Shelley Victor

Committee Member

Ronald J. Chenail

Keywords

Speech Language Pathology, Early Intervention, Dialects, Language and Speech, Cultural Differences

Abstract

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a better understanding of Black Caribbean culture for the parents, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), rehabilitation therapists, and other professionals that provide health care services to the pediatric population aged 3–5 years. The current literature for SLPs that is geared toward cultural and linguistic diversity has limited research specific to the English-speaking Caribbean population. Particularly, research is lacking on the role and perceptions of the Black Caribbean family nucleus in the carryover process for therapeutic intervention. The majority of literature focused on the perspective of the minority population is based on data derived from the Latin or Black American culture. The Caribbean and Jamaican culture is unique in how it perceives the U.S. health care system as well as the dyad that should occur between the parent or caregiver and the health care provider. Although continuing education is provided on cultural and linguistic diversity through academic institutions and workshops, many SLPs lack cultural sensitivities and education to other cultures outside of the African American and Latino culture. Further, once individuals from the English-speaking Caribbean migrate to the United States, the acculturation process may involve lifestyle, food, and behavior but not the U.S. health care culture.

The knowledge gained from this study contributes to existing literature specific to cultural and linguistic differences in the field of communicative sciences and disorders, and qualitative studies. The information obtained from this case study allowed the researcher a platform to increase the awareness and sensitivities of cultural differences, so that best practiced care and carry over can be provided for individuals from other countries and or different cultural backgrounds such as the Black Caribbean. It also brings awareness of the need for speech and language services and resources across the Black Caribbean islands.

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