A customised program for people from non English Speaking Backgrounds
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Flinders University will be offering a pronunciation program over summer 2007. This program is especially tailored for people from non-English Speaking Backgrounds (NESB) who find that others have difficulties understanding their words because the sound system of their first language “interferes“ with their English pronunciation. The course is not aimed at people who are still learning the English Language.
Many previous participants in the program have found that after undertaking the course they are more easily understood by others, whether it be in a social situation or for optimising performance and abilities for their work or study area. At present, there are minimal facilities in Adelaide for non-English Speakers to obtain tailored strategies and treatment from a Speech Pathologist in order to improve their intelligibility (clearness of speech).
Services Provided
Speech Pathology Services at Flinders University are provided by qualified speech pathologists. An experienced Speech Pathologist in conjunction with speech pathology students will facilitate the program over 7 weeks.
The program will be held in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Clinic, which is located on Level 6 within Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park.
Clients are able to refer themselves, however, as this clinic may not run every term we encourage you to contact those you know who may benefit from the clinic to let them know of our services.
Program Schedule
An intensive program has been scheduled 4 hours / week on Mondays and Thursdays (2 hours each day); 3 January -15 February, 2007.
The next clear Speech Clinic Dates are: Wednesday 28th February—Wednesday 23 May 2007
The schedule can be found on the registration form. A minimum of 6 to 8 participants is recommended for the program.
Assessment and Intervention
In the first instance, participants will undergo an individual assessment with the Speech Pathologist/students to evaluate the individuals intelligibility in conversation.
Individual reports will then be written for each client, including the assessment results and recommendations for a therapy/ pronunciation program will be made.
Follow up sessions will be held in the ensuing weeks and will consist of both individual and group sessions. A final assessment will be made at the last session.
Cost of Program
Total cost: $770.00
See brochure for details
Fee payable before commencement of treatment, fee not refundable.
For further Information
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology would be happy to talk to you in more detail about the program. If the current format does not meet your personal or organisational requirements, we may be able to tailor a program to better suit your needs.
Please contact the Frances Graetz on 8204 6100 or by email
for further information. To register please download registration
form and post with payment to:
(attention: Stuart Burns),
Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology
Flinders University
G.P.O Box 2100
Adelaide SA 5001
Outline of Typical Clear Speech Program Session
Review of progress during week
Participants will provide feedback on their general progress and given help with any specific sounds and words targeted in the previous session. Conversational speech is monitored and the participant and Speech Pathologist will identify any sounds that need to be improved and review production techniques.
Presentation of a new sound
A new sound target is identified, demonstrated and practiced Auditory discrimination of the new sound will be practiced.
Production of the sound in isolation (by itself) and in key words
General and specific techniques will be offered to assist the participant in mastering the production of a sound in syllables and key words.
Working through target words
The participant will practice lists of target words with feedback and assistance provided to produce an accurate production of the new sound in words.
Working through sentences with target words
Encouragement will be provided to transfer the new sound into words and sentences.
Working through text with target words
Focus will initially be on target sounds and will move on to facilitating a holistic pattern of speech and reading once the participant becomes more practiced.
Controlled speech practice
This will occur in a small group setting. Participants can be provided with topics and are given the opportunity to converse with other group members to encourage self-correction and transfer of skills in conversational speech patterns. Participants are also encouraged to identify particular words and situations that are problematic so that the sessions are relevant to them.
Summary of session and plan
A summary of progress is given to the participant. Audio-tapes and/or handouts are provided as resources for home practice. Participants are encouraged to practice identified targets during the week until next session.
Reference: Alison Kimble-Fry, Perfect Pronunciation: A guide to trainers
and self help students. Clear Speak Pty Ltd 2001.