One of the problems of traditional research on minority language populations, is the fact that "minorities have been viewed through a lens that is not their own--one that projects a distorted and incomplete view" of their linguistic competence (Seymour, 1986). As a result, several scholars have recommended the use of alternative research methodologies such as ethnography as a means for obtaining more accurate descriptions of language use and behavior within minority language communities.

The specific topics addressed in the readings referenced in this factsheet include:

• Ethnography defined;
• The tools of ethnographic research;
• The value of ethnography research in the study of communicative disorders;
• Ethnographic studies of communicative behavior within various speech communities.

Research Methodology

Ellen, R. (1984). Ethnographic research: A guide to general conduct. Orlando, FL: Academic Press.

Jorgensen, D. (1989). Participant observation: A methodology for human studies. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Ethnography of Communication

Bauman, R. (1971). An ethnographic framework for the investigation of communicative behaviors. Asha, 13(6) , 334-340.

Hymes, D. (1974). Foundations in sociolinguistics: An ethnographic approach. Philadelphia: University of Philadelphia Press.

Saville-Troike, M. (1982). The ethnography of communication: An introduction. Baltimore: University Park Press.

Ethnographic Applications in Educational and Clinical Settings

Cazden, C., John, V. & Hymes, D. (1972). Functions of language in the classroom. New York: Teachers College Press.

Green, J. & Wallet, C. (1980). Ethnography and language in educational settings. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lynch, E.W. & Stein, R.C. (1987). Parent participation by ethnicity: A comparison of Hispanic, Black, and Anglo families. Exceptional Children, 54(2) , 105-111.

Ogbo, J. & Matute-Bianchi, M. (1986). Understanding sociocultural factors: Knowledge, identity, and school adjustment. In D. Holt (Ed.), Beyond language: Social and cultural factors in schooling language minority students (pp. 73-142). Los Angeles, CA: Evaluation, Dissemination and Assessment Center.

Patterson, J. (1994). A tutorial on sociolinguistics for speech-language pathologists: An appreciation of variation. National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association Journal, 21 , 14-30.

Saville-Troike, M. (1986). Anthropological considerations in the study of communication. In O. Taylor (Ed.), Nature of communication disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. San Diego, CA: College-Hill Press.

Westby, C. E. (1990). Ethnographic interviewing: Asking the right questions to the right people in the right way. Journal of Childhood Communication Disorders, 13(1) , 101-111.

Compiled by the Multicultural Issues Board May 1996