Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Speech Sound Assessment Considerations for Speakers of Trinidadian English and Trinidadian English Creole

Purpose: The purpose of this tutorial is to share the phonological features of Trinidadian English (TrE) and Trinidadian English Creole (TrinEC) and to offer clinical guidance on performing culturally and linguistically responsive speech sound assessment with speakers of TrE and TrinEC across the lifespan. Method: The current literature on the phonological features of TrE and TrinEC is reviewed, and a proposed framework for culturally and linguistically responsive speech sound assessment is presented. A case study is described to outline the clinical considerations of each step of the assessment framework for culturally and linguistically responsive speech sound assessment. Results: Clinical use of the phonological features and the proposed framework for culturally and linguistically responsive speech sound assessment are interpreted and presented. The steps a clinician must take to engage in culturally and linguistically responsive speech sound assessment are outlined. Conclusions: This tutorial highlights the importance of understanding the features of a language and the use of the features in culturally and linguistically responsive assessment. The case study goes beyond describing one child to outline the process at each step of the culturally and linguistically responsive speech sound assessment.