Language Sample Analysis Practices in a Multilingual and Diglossic Context: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists in German-Speaking Switzerland

PURPOSE: This study investigated the frequency, purpose, target groups, and methods of language sample analysis (LSA) among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in German-speaking Switzerland. LSA is particularly relevant in linguistically diverse and underresearched contexts such as diglossic settings, where everyday spoken language differs from standardized varieties. METHOD: A survey was conducted among 550 SLPs in German-speaking Switzerland. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, focusing on reported use, target demographics, and analytical methods concerning LSA. RESULTS: Compared with previous research from English-speaking countries, LSA is used by a larger proportion of SLPs in Switzerland. Consistent with prior findings, Swiss SLPs primarily employ individualized approaches rather than established protocols. LSA is most frequently conducted in younger children, while the use of assistive tools remains low. Furthermore, SLPs mainly focus on microstructural parameters (e.g., morphology-syntax) rather than on macrostructural parameters during analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The LSA is a highly utilized method in German-speaking Switzerland, underscoring its clinical relevance in a diglossic context. However, the heavy reliance on individualized methods, the low adoption of assisting tools, and the narrow focus on microstructural parameters suggest a need for the standardization of the LSA process and the implementation of helpful, structured tools to better support LSA in diglossic and multilingual contexts in future practice and research.