A methodology for the evaluation of severely disordered cleft palate speech

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive description of the issues involved in the development of a method of speech analysis suitable for subjects who had surgery after speech had been established in the presence of an unoperated cleft palate. This methodology has developed out of the speech studies within the Sri Lankan Cleft Lip and Palate Project. A rating scale with documentation of the reliability studies is presented. The rationale behind the further development of the rating scale into a system of speech categories is described. The advantages of this system to facilitate interpretation of the data are demonstrated. This framework of analysis is particularly applicable when speech analysis has to be undertaken by a Western-trained non-native speech and language therapist who does not speak the local language.