The Importance of Culturally Affirming Practices with Multicultural Families
I still remember a moment from about ten years ago when a parent told me they had stopped speaking their home language so they could focus on English, because someone had advised them that two languages might “confuse their child.”
Since then, I’ve heard the same story countless times. It’s something many of us in the profession hear too often, and it reminds us why culturally affirming practice isn’t just important, it’s essential.
Seeing Beyond Words
As speech pathologists, our goal isn’t only to help children communicate; it’s to help them feel seen, valued, and understood, in every language and culture they belong to. And that includes children who don’t use spoken language as their primary means of communication.
Language is far more than words. It’s an expression of identity, belonging, and connection. Communication itself is deeply shaped by culture and it looks different across the world.
For example, in many Western cultures, lack of eye contact might be seen as rude or disengaged. But in other cultures, avoiding direct eye contact can be a sign of respect, particularly toward elders or authority figures.
Culture also influences how we tell stories, learn, plan, and connect. So when communication differences appear, they don’t always signal a disorder, they may simply reflect diversity.
What Culturally Affirming Practice Means
Culturally affirming practice is about recognising, understanding, and celebrating a family’s language, beliefs, and traditions, and ensuring that our assessments and therapies reflect this understanding. It’s about supporting, not pathologising, cultural differences.
Here are some ways we can do that:
Be curious: Learn about each family’s language use, values, and routines.
Adapt goals: Align therapy goals to what is meaningful and functional for the family.
Encourage home language use: Support bilingualism rather than discouraging it.
Partner with families: View parents as experts on their child and collaborate closely with them.
Reflect on bias: Check your own cultural assumptions and approach every family with openness.
A Message for Families
If you’re raising your child with one or more languages, please know that this is a gift, not a burden.
Research consistently shows that bilingualism does not delay language development, even for children with language delays or other diagnoses.
Speaking your home language strengthens your bond, builds emotional connection, and lays a strong foundation for all learning.
Why It Matters?
When we practice with cultural humility and affirmation, we:
Build stronger relationships and trust with families
Increase therapy engagement and carryover at home
Reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or unnecessary intervention
Support children’s sense of identity, belonging, and overall well-being
At Little Birds, we’re proud to celebrate the diversity of every family we work with. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your family’s journey, please reach out — we’d love to connect. Contact us today.
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