Advice for working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Introduction

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities include families with varied

languages, ethnicities, religions, and migration backgrounds. They may include first or second-generation migrants, refugees, and those who speak languages other than English or follow diverse cultural traditions.

For example, families from different cultures may have a range of ideas about ways to interact with or play with their child.  Some of their caring traditions may be different, such as sitting on the floor to eat meals together instead of at a table with a highchair. Be curious and respectful about differences you observe.

Language use in caregiver-baby Interactions

Caregivers should speak to their child in the language they typically use at home. If English is sometimes used, it may be used in the video if comfortable for both the caregiver and child.

Interpreter Use

To participate in the programme without an interpreter, caregivers need enough English proficiency to engage in detailed, two-way conversations and reflections with the practitioner about their baby’s behaviour.

If a caregiver is unsure about their English skills, interpreter needs can be discussed during the planning discussion.

An interpreter may also be offered later in the programme if it becomes clear that additional support is needed.

If a caregiver speaks another language to their child but has adequate English, no interpreter is needed, just ask them to explain what was said in the video. However, also consider their written English and any adaptations that may be needed around the Home Programme format.

Multilingual Practitioners

If you speak another language, you may deliver the therapy programme in that language.

1.4.    Working with Interpreters

• Arrange care for the child during the video observation discussion if possible.
• Use the same interpreter for appointments. For this reason, it may work best to block book your appointments with the parent and interpreter.
• Brief the interpreter beforehand, ideally setting aside time to meet the interpreter and discussing the programme and programme’s aims beforehand. Explain clearly that the programme works through discussions with the family and through asking the caregiver questions about what they observe from the video.
• Set up the room to support clear communication.
• Speak directly to the caregiver, not the interpreter.
• Use short, simple comments & questions and pause for interpretation.
• Keep your questions and comments concise.
• Focus on the most important messages and video moments. Consider looking at fewer video clip moments to give more time for interpretation and processing and to avoid overloading the parent.
• Continue to use the key programme strategies of cascades and paraphrasing, being conscious to allow plenty of time for the parent to think and respond following interpretation.
• Observe non-verbal cues.
• Use translated Home Practice programme templates if available.
• Ask the interpreter or caregiver to write the Home Practice programme in the caregiver’s language.
• Some families may also like an additional spoken format e.g. voice note that they record on their phone. This may also be helpful for parents who speak English well as a second language but are not confident reading/writing.
• Confirm next appointment while interpreter is present.
• Using a translator will take extra time so give extra time for the session.
• On-line Interpreters

If you use telehealth the interpreter may attend the session and follow the same principles as face-to-face interpreting. Ask the caregiver to write the Home Plan/practice programme in their language.

Telephone Interpreters

Use speakerphone and follow the same principles

as face-to-face interpreting. Ask the caregiver to write the Home Plan / Practice programme in their language.

Interpreter Availability

If an interpreter isn’t available in the caregiver’s first language, consider their second language but check proficiency first. Check whether family has a preference for a male or female interpreter.

Translated documents

Several caregiver documents have already been translated into a selection of languages.

Reach out to the IMPACT team if you need assistance locating these.