Case Study of Politeness Strategies in Speech Therapy for Clients with Language Disorders: A Psycholinguistic Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the application of politeness strategies by Speech Therapists in the context of interventions with clients experiencing Language Disorders. Language, serving as a tool for self-expression and social adaptation, becomes crucial in the process of socialization. However, individuals with Language Disorders face challenges in communication, impacting their ability to participate in society. Speech Therapists play a vital role in addressing these challenges through comprehensive interventions, employing various language strategies and methods tailored to individual client needs. The study employs qualitative research methods, focusing on speech acts and politeness strategies used by Speech Therapists during therapy sessions. Data collection involves observation and note-taking techniques, with primary data consisting of speech acts performed by therapists and secondary data providing additional information about therapists and clients. Qualitative data analysis is conducted concurrently with data collection, involving data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal effective combinations of verbal and non-verbal speech acts, along with politeness strategies, facilitating positive responses from clients. The study emphasizes the importance of directive speech acts, both verbal and non-verbal, in conveying therapeutic messages. The politeness strategies, particularly the use of positive and negative politeness, contribute to minimizing client burdens and maintaining engagement. Additionally, the study identifies challenges faced by therapists in situations of client non-responsiveness, emphasizing the need for adaptability in therapeutic approaches. In conclusion, the research sheds light on the dynamics of communication in speech therapy for clients with Language Disorders. Effective combinations of speech acts and politeness strategies enrich the therapeutic process, fostering client engagement. However, challenges underscore the importance of therapists' responsiveness and creativity in tailoring interventions to individual client needs. The study contributes valuable insights to the field of Speech Therapy and highlights avenues for further research in optimizing language interventions for individuals with communication disorders.