Mogolane Mamaila J, Neille Joanne, Sher Jenna
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and Department of Rehabilitative and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London.
S Afr J Commun Disord. 2025 Aug 26;72(1):e1-e11. doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v72i1.1097.
The people of the Pedi culture place great value on, and take pride in, adhering to their culture, as reflected in the manner in which they communicate verbally and non-verbally. However, little is documented about the ways in which verbal and non-verbal language is used socially by the younger generations in the Pedi culture.
This article examines how verbal and non-verbal social language skills and functions are used by the younger generations in Pedi families.
A qualitative research design was employed, underpinned by the principles of direct participant observations and semi-structured interviews. A total of 22 participants from seven families were included, and the data were analysed through thematic analysis.
The results showed how younger generations in Pedi families respectfully execute verbal and non-verbal social language skills and functions.
Understanding the cultural nuances of communication in the Pedi culture, including respect expressed through verbal and non-verbal cues, is critical for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). By recognising these cultural practices as differences rather than deficits, SLPs can provide more effective, respectful and culturally appropriate interventions.Contribution: The findings of this study contribute to a broader understanding of how language is used in the Pedi culture and offer valuable insights for practitioners working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Moreover, these findings call for a more inclusive approach to pragmatics in speech-language pathology that acknowledges the rich diversity of communication practices worldwide.
佩迪文化的人们非常重视并以坚守自己的文化为荣，这体现在他们的口头和非口头交流方式上。然而，关于佩迪文化中年轻一代在社交场合使用口头和非语言语言的方式，记录却很少。
本文探讨佩迪家庭中的年轻一代如何使用口头和非语言社交语言技能及功能。
采用定性研究设计，以直接参与观察和半结构化访谈原则为基础。共纳入来自七个家庭的22名参与者，并通过主题分析对数据进行分析。
结果显示了佩迪家庭中的年轻一代如何恭敬地运用口头和非语言社交语言技能及功能。
对于言语语言病理学家（SLP）而言，理解佩迪文化中交流的文化细微差别，包括通过口头和非语言线索表达的尊重，至关重要。通过将这些文化习俗视为差异而非缺陷，言语语言病理学家可以提供更有效、更尊重且符合文化背景的干预措施。贡献：本研究结果有助于更广泛地理解佩迪文化中语言的使用方式，并为与来自不同文化背景的客户合作的从业者提供有价值的见解。此外，这些发现呼吁在言语语言病理学中采用更具包容性的语用学方法，承认全球交流实践的丰富多样性。
