A comparative study on the effect of english language learning on the severity of stuttering

Abstract

Introduction: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of learning English on the severity of different types of stuttering in native language (Farsi) and English among monolingual Farsi-speaking subjects. Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental study (single group with pre-test and post-test), 15 persons with stuttering were randomly recruited from the available population of 12 to 23 year-old clients referred to speech therapy centers in Isfahan-Iran. Prior to initiation of the study, the subjects were assessed in terms of severity and type of stuttering they represent through SSI-3 test. Results: The effect of English language learning on functional- and content-word stuttering of stalling type in English was not significant as compared to these types of stuttering in Farsi but it has a significant influence on decreasing functional- and content-word stuttering of non-stalling type in English language when compared to Farsi. Moreover, learning English significantly decreased total stuttering in English language (P = 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, learning English does not have any positive or negative impact on treatment and recovery of stuttering in Farsi. Also, after learning to speak in English, the severity of stuttering in English is less than that in Farsi. Keywords: Stuttering, Stalling, Non-Stalling, Content, Functional, Bilingual, Monolingual