Setting a research agenda for the assessment and treatment of aphasia in minority languages

Abstract

[Abstract] The aim of this position article is to establish the state of affairs in aphasia assessment and treatment in individuals who speak minority languages. This article reports on recommendations from a panel of experts working with individuals with aphasia in a variety of languages to develop a research agenda for aphasia assessment and treatment in minority languages. Members of Working Group 2 (Aphasia Assessment and Outcomes) of the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs) were invited to respond to a short online agenda-setting questionnaire and to discuss issues regarding this topic. The panel of experts then refined the responses and recommendations into future research themes and objectives. Seven priority themes were identified: Definitions, Tools, Research Practices, Treatment, Speech and language pathology (SLP) Training, Societal Impact, and Norms. In the EU alone, about 60 minority/regional languages are spoken by around 40 million people. Considering increasing caseloads and a lack of clinical tools for speakers of minority languages, this research agenda has an important impact for future research and clinical advancements.