Asking New Questions and Seeking New Answers

Abstract

Emerging policy in South Africa has had a marked impact on delivery of service by speech-language pathologists, particularly in the field of aphasia. This article describes major policy influences in the areas of language use, health, education, disability, and the elderly, which have had an impact on service delivery. Aphasia assessment and intervention, in particular, are profoundly influenced by the unique sociopolitical context and opportunities are created for developing innovative perspectives, which expand traditional frameworks and scope of practice. Relevant practice requires awareness both of enabling policy and of the impact of issues such as poverty and culture on assessment and intervention. The profession of speech-language pathology has a powerful potential role in advocacy and social reform and to help develop policy, interrogate traditional models of training, and derive research that is relevant and contributes to a global debate. Key words: aphasia, health inequities, language policy, South Africa Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.Nelson Mandela (1995), Long Walk to Freedom

Perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation

“…Community-based service delivery, specifically group therapy, is encouraged in South Africa because of its provision of creative and culturally-rich stimulation that acknowledges context, whilst targeting a number of individuals in an authentic social manner; thus addressing the lack of appropriate ST services (Penn 2014 ). Conversational aphasia groups have demonstrated significant improvement in PWA’s communication abilities, whilst providing an opportunity for authentic social participation with others of similar circumstance (Penn & Armstrong 2017 ).…”

Significance of speech production errors on cross-linguistic processing in Sepedi-English individuals with bilingual aphasia: a case series analysis

“…Aphasia presents in 40% of the surviving stroke population, with higher statistics in South Africa (SA) due to increased stroke rates. [1][2][3] An elevated number of strokes in SA is attributed to poverty, inaccessibility of health services and a high incidence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and HIV. 2,3 Fifty to eighty percent of the global populace is bilingual and Africa has the highest prevalence of multilingualism.…”

“…[1][2][3] An elevated number of strokes in SA is attributed to poverty, inaccessibility of health services and a high incidence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and HIV. 2,3 Fifty to eighty percent of the global populace is bilingual and Africa has the highest prevalence of multilingualism. [4][5][6][7][8] Clinicians thus evidence a significant increase in bilingual individuals with aphasia.…”

“…2,3 12. Before your stroke, in which situations would you mostly speak Sepedi?• With family members and friends • At work • At school 13.…”