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Language: Challenges and Opportunities
Linguistic Competence & LEP Persons
Definition
According to the National Center for Cultural Competence with the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, linguistic competence is the capacity of an organization and its personnel to communicate effectively, and convey information in a manner that is easily understood by diverse audiences including persons of limited English proficiency, those who have low literacy skills or are not literate, and individuals with disabilities. This may include, but is not limited to, the use of:
- bilingual/bicultural staff
- cultural brokers
- foreign language interpretation services including distance technologies
- sign language interpretation services
- multilingual telecommunication systems
- TTY
- Assistive technology devices
- Computer assisted real time translation (CART) or viable real time transcriptions (VRT)
- Print materials in easy to read, low literacy, picture and symbol formats
- Materials in alternative formats (e.g. audiotape, Braille, enlarged print)
- Varied approaches to share information with individuals who experience cognitive disabilities
- Materials developed and tested for specific cultural, ethnic and linguistic groups
- Translation services including those of
- Legally binding documents (e.g. consent forms, confidentiality and patient rights statements, release of information, applications)
- Signage
- Health education materials
- Public awareness materials and campaigns; and
- Ethnic media in languages other than English (e.g., television, radio, Internet, newspapers, periodicals).
The organization must have policy, structures, practices, procedures and dedicated resources to support this capacity.
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Linguistic Competence
Definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Policies & Procedures
Tools & Forms
Related Links
Multi-language Translations of Forms
The documents on this website are intended to assist agencies that receive federal financial assistance in their planning efforts to ensure that their program services address meaningful access for all of the people they serve, including those who are limited English proficient. |
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