#Best Speech Therapist in Singapore

[totalcommunication1]

Best Speech Therapist in Singapore: Enhancing Communication and Quality of Life

When it comes to speech and language development, finding the right therapist can make a significant difference in a person's ability to communicate effectively. Whether it's for children experiencing speech delays, adults recovering from stroke, or anyone facing communication challenges, the expertise of a skilled speech therapist is invaluable. If you are looking for the best speech therapist in Singapore, look no further than TotalCommunication, where professional and compassionate care is at the heart of every service.

Why Choose a Speech Therapist?

A speech therapist is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of speech, language, and communication disorders. From articulation problems, stuttering, voice disorders, and language delays to cognitive-communication issues, these professionals work with individuals of all ages to improve their ability to communicate.

Speech therapy can be essential for a child struggling with speech development or an adult who has lost their speech due to medical conditions such as a stroke, brain injury, or neurological disorders. The goal of therapy is to help individuals express themselves clearly and effectively, ensuring they can engage in social, educational, and professional settings without barriers.

TotalCommunication: A Leading Speech Therapy Provider

When searching for the Best Speech Therapist in Singapore, TotalCommunication stands out as a leading provider of speech therapy services. Their team of experienced and highly qualified speech pathologists specializes in a wide range of speech and language disorders. They offer individualized therapy plans designed to address the unique needs of each client, ensuring effective treatment that leads to real, measurable improvements.

TotalCommunication is committed to delivering high-quality care with an emphasis on compassion and understanding. They work with both children and adults, providing comprehensive assessments to identify speech and language difficulties, followed by personalized intervention strategies. The approach is client-centered, meaning that the treatment plan is tailored to the specific challenges and goals of the individual, whether it's improving articulation, enhancing communication strategies, or building confidence.

Comprehensive Speech Therapy Services at TotalCommunication

One of the key reasons TotalCommunication is considered one of the best speech therapists in Singapore is their wide range of services, including:

Speech and Language Assessment: Thorough assessments are conducted to diagnose speech, language, and communication disorders. This helps in determining the most effective course of therapy.

Articulation and Phonology Therapy: Helping clients with difficulties in pronouncing sounds or words correctly, ensuring that their speech is clear and easily understood.

Speech Delay Treatment: For children and adults who are experiencing delays in speech or language development, TotalCommunication provides targeted interventions to address these delays effectively.

Stuttering Therapy: Stuttering can be a frustrating issue, but with the right therapy, it can be managed. TotalCommunication offers specialized stuttering treatment techniques that focus on improving fluency and reducing anxiety related to speaking.

Cognitive-Communication Therapy: For individuals with brain injuries, neurological disorders, or cognitive impairments, this therapy helps in rebuilding communication skills related to memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Voice Therapy: This is especially beneficial for individuals who use their voice heavily in their profession, such as teachers, singers, or public speakers. Voice therapy focuses on improving vocal quality, pitch, and volume, while also preventing voice strain or damage.

Aphasia and Stroke Rehabilitation: For those recovering from a stroke or brain injury, speech therapists work with clients to regain lost communication skills and strategies for effective communication.

Why TotalCommunication Is the Best Choice

Several factors contribute to why TotalCommunication is often regarded as the best speech therapist in Singapore:

Experienced Team: The speech therapists at TotalCommunication are highly qualified, with specialized training and experience in a range of speech and language disorders. They bring expertise in both pediatric and adult speech therapy.

Client-Centered Approach: Therapy sessions are personalized to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. The focus is always on delivering results that improve the client’s ability to communicate confidently and clearly.

Holistic Care: In addition to traditional speech therapy techniques, TotalCommunication offers a holistic approach that may include family involvement, social skills development, and strategies for improving emotional well-being.

Positive Results: Many clients who have sought speech therapy services at TotalCommunication report significant improvements in their communication abilities, leading to enhanced quality of life, academic success, and professional achievements.

Conclusion

Finding the best speech therapist in Singapore is crucial to ensuring that individuals struggling with communication disorders receive the care they need to overcome these challenges. TotalCommunication offers the expertise, compassion, and dedication that individuals of all ages require to improve their speech, language, and cognitive communication skills. Whether you're seeking therapy for a child with speech delays or rehabilitation after a stroke, TotalCommunication provides the highest standard of care to help individuals lead more confident and fulfilling lives.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit TotalCommunication.

[totalcommunicationsg]

Elevating Lives as the Best Speech Therapist in Singapore

In the realm of speech therapy, where compassion meets expertise, TotalCommunication emerges as the pinnacle of excellence in Singapore. As the best speech therapist in the city-state, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to transforming lives through effective communication. In this blog post, we explore what sets TotalCommunication apart, making us the leading choice for individuals and families seeking the highest standard of speech therapy in Singapore.

Exceptional Expertise and Dedication

At TotalCommunication, our success as the best speech therapist in Singapore is rooted in the exceptional expertise and dedication of our team. Our therapists are not just professionals; they are compassionate individuals deeply committed to helping others find their voice. With a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of speech and language disorders, our therapists employ evidence-based practices to deliver unparalleled results.

Personalized Speech Therapy: Tailored for Every Individual

Understanding that every individual is unique, our speech therapy programs are meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. We recognize that effective communication is a multifaceted skill encompassing articulation, language comprehension, social interaction, and confidence-building. Our personalized approach ensures that therapy sessions are precisely designed to address these diverse aspects, fostering holistic development and empowering individuals to express themselves with clarity and confidence.

Innovative Techniques and Technology

As the best speech therapist in Singapore, we embrace innovation to enhance the therapy experience. TotalCommunication integrates cutting-edge techniques and technology into our sessions, making the learning process engaging and interactive. We leverage multimedia resources, interactive applications, and creative exercises to captivate our clients, transforming therapy sessions into dynamic learning experiences. This approach not only accelerates progress but also instills a sense of enthusiasm and motivation in our clients.

Comprehensive Assessment: A Foundation for Success

TotalCommunication believes in the power of a comprehensive assessment as the cornerstone of effective speech therapy. Our skilled therapists conduct thorough evaluations to identify the root causes of speech and language challenges. Through detailed assessments, we gain valuable insights into the client's strengths and areas requiring improvement. This in-depth understanding allows us to create targeted intervention plans, ensuring that therapy is precise, efficient, and results-driven.

Empowering Children: Early Intervention for Lifelong Success

TotalCommunication is deeply committed to early intervention, recognizing its transformative impact on a child's life. As the best speech therapist in Singapore, we specialize in working with young children, employing gentle and nurturing techniques to enhance their speech and language skills. Early intervention not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays a strong foundation for lifelong communication abilities. We empower children to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and needs effectively, fostering self-assurance and resilience from an early age.

Collaborative Approach: Involving Families for Lasting Impact

TotalCommunication believes in the power of collaboration between therapists and families. We actively involve parents and caregivers in the therapy process, providing them with guidance and support to reinforce speech and language development at home. By creating a collaborative support network, we ensure that progress made in therapy permeates the child's daily life. This family-centered approach amplifies the impact of speech therapy, promoting continuous growth and improvement.

TotalCommunication: Where Progress Meets Compassion

At TotalCommunication, we understand that effective communication is not merely a skill; it's a gateway to personal and professional success. As the best speech therapist in Singapore, we are dedicated to nurturing this vital skill with compassion, expertise, and innovation. We celebrate the progress of every individual, no matter how small, and take pride in being a part of their transformative journey.

In conclusion, TotalCommunication stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the field of speech therapy in Singapore. As the best speech therapist in the city, we are not just changing words; we are transforming lives. If you are seeking unparalleled speech therapy services characterized by excellence, empathy, and results, TotalCommunication is not just a choice; it's an investment in a future where effective communication knows no boundaries.

[lingthusiasm]

Transcript Episode 77: How kids learn language in Singapore - Interview with Woon Fei Ting

This is a transcript for Lingthusiasm episode ‘How kids learn language in Singapore - Interview with Woon Fei Ting’. It’s been lightly edited for readability. Listen to the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Links to studies mentioned and further reading can be found on the episode show notes page.

[Music]

Gretchen: Welcome to Lingthusiasm, a podcast that’s enthusiastic about linguistics! I’m Gretchen McCulloch. I’m here with Woon Fei Ting who’s a Research Associate and the Lab Manager at the Brain, Language & Intersensory Perception Lab at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Today, we’re getting enthusiastic about kids in multilingual environments. We’d like to extend a huge thanks to Dr. Suzy Styles, who heads the BLIP lab at NTU, for hosting me in Singapore! Check out our interview with Suzy about which words sound spiky across languages. See the link in the show notes. But first, some announcements. We’re doing another Lingthusiasm liveshow just a few days after this episode goes up. The liveshow is online at 4:00 p.m. on February the 18th, for me in Montreal, or 8:00 a.m. on the 19th for Lauren in Melbourne, 2023. Follow the link in the show notes fore more time zones. This liveshow is a Q&A about language and gender with returning special guest, Dr. Kirby Conrod. You may remember Kirby from their very popular episode about the grammar of “singular they,” so we’re bringing them back for more informal discussion which you can participate in. You can ask your language and gender-y questions or share your examples and stories in the comments on Patreon or in the AMA questions channel on Discord in advance or bring them along to the liveshow. You can join the Lingthusiasm liveshow by becoming a patron at the Lingthusiast tier or higher. This is also the tier that has access to our monthly bonus episodes – most recently, a chat between me and Lauren about what’s coming up in the year ahead, including our plans to keep giving you regular episodes while Lauren’s on parental leave. Go to patreon.com/lingthusiasm to get access to the liveshow, monthly bonus episodes, and more.

[Music]

Gretchen: Hello, Fei Ting, welcome to the show!

Fei Ting: Hi, thanks for having me. This is the first time I’m doing any kind of interview and the first time being on a podcast.

Gretchen: Amazing! We’re excited to be your very first time. Can we start with the question that we ask all of our guests? How did you get into linguistics?

Fei Ting: My younger sibling was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was maybe around the age of 9 or 10, then she started going for English language classes to help her spell. That was when my older sibling and I started realising that we display a lot of the same quote-unquote “symptoms,” or we have the same struggles. I started doing a little bit of reading and got really interested in this idea of, oh, maybe we’re all dyslexic, but then she got a diagnosis because it was a lot more prominent, or it came out a lot more in her day-to-day schooling. Later on in high school, my high school is right next to a school for children with cerebral palsy. I would go over once a week to be a teaching assistant to help out if the teachers need any help. One of the things that we did was to bring the children to their speech therapy sessions. The speech therapist there at that time was a very nice lady. She was from India. She was teaching some of these children how to pronounce particular consonants or vowel sounds as best as they could. She spoke with a really heavy accent. I thought to myself, “Well, these children are Singaporean children, and they’re receiving speech therapy in an accent that is unfamiliar to them” –

Gretchen: Yeah, is this gonna be any use for them?

Fei Ting: Yeah, and they are – well, a lot of them have a lot of, as you can imagine, modal difficulties, some of them with language development difficulties. When they mimic, they also mimic the accent as well.

Gretchen: So, they’re gonna be mimicking her accent, which is a perfectly fine accent to have but not what the rest of their family and community have.

Fei Ting: Yeah. At that time, I was just thinking about, okay, this is a cool job. I had never come across speech therapy before in my life. I didn’t even know what it was. So, when I first learned about it, I thought, “Wow, that’s really cool!” But at the same time, I also thought, “Maybe this is what I wanna do in the future.” I set out looking at which universities to go to, what do I have to do to become a speech therapist. It led me on to this path of going to university for linguistics, and then I taught for a little bit. I taught for about 4 years.

Gretchen: Teaching what?

Fei Ting: Teaching English after graduation. In between, I did some volunteering work, and I looked at the overall job market for speech therapy in Singapore. The thing about it in Singapore is a lot of our speech therapists don’t really get to do a lot of speech therapy per se.

Gretchen: Oh, that seems like it’s not the thing you came into the job for.

Fei Ting: A lot of them end up doing elderly care, swallowing therapy with patients that might have suffered from a stroke.

Gretchen: But you were excited about working with kids.

Fei Ting: Yeah. I was told by almost every speech therapist that there isn’t that much focus on research right now because they are hoping that a lot of people just graduate with a master’s in speech therapy and then go work in a hospital. Then you will likely not be working with children.

Gretchen: I guess there’s the question of like, what are Singaporean children quote-unquote “expected” to be able to do at a certain age or is there even research on what their typically developing peers would be able to do in this context that would help you devise therapy programmes for kids.

Fei Ting: At that point, no. I think right now as well – this is the current work that we’re doing, right, looking at children growing up in Singapore, which is a really multilingual environment. The documentation of regular kids, we don’t have good documentation of that yet, and therefore, you can think about how, for children that have some sort of language delay or developmental disorders, we don’t have therapy that might be tailored to our variety of English and the other languages that we speak here.

Gretchen: I feel like something that I’ve heard from people in more monolingual or monolingual-ish language environments in Canada/the US is “Oh, well, my sibling got diagnosed with dyslexia or something, and so my parents stopped speaking our heritage language to the kid because they thought it would confuse them, and they did only English.” We know that lots of people are multilingual, and this is fine, but there isn’t a good amount of knowledge about what does it look like to develop in a multilingual environment where this is normal and expected and everyone is doing this. It would cause difficulties to not be able to function in that multilingual space because you can’t talk to your grandparents, or you can’t talk to people in some stores that you go into. That’s also part of what you need for functioning in a language is having access to multiple language spaces.

Fei Ting: That’s exactly right. In Singapore – well, I think this is unfortunate – some of the children who are diagnosed with dyslexia earlier on, they will be given recommendations to not do the – well, we call it here the “mother tongue languages,” which in schools are taught as Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil. The recommendation is, well, don’t do your mother tongue language as a subject.

Gretchen: Only do English, and that’s it.

Fei Ting: Only do English, yeah, which as you mentioned, it then becomes difficult for the child to converse with people around them or their family members who might not be using English.

Gretchen: Right. Because the norm of the research that’s been happening on kids with various developmental disabilities has been doing it on monolingual populations, which then makes it seem like you need to be monolingual in order to benefit from the various kinds of therapies that people do.

Fei Ting: The common misconception is, if you’re already struggling in one, and that one language is usually English, then let’s not burden your brain with a second one. But languages are so different. Mandarin Chinese is radically different compared to English both in the way it looks as well as the structure, so processing of Mandarin Chinese is also different. There isn’t enough research right now to support saying that a child who is English-Mandarin bilingual will benefit from not having to do Mandarin as a subject in school.

Gretchen: I mean, the brain is very flexible, very plastic, and so the things you make the brain do, it almost makes me wonder if being exposed to more languages would help because you’re giving the brain more practice in doing language stuff, but I dunno if there’s data on this.

Fei Ting: Well, we don’t know enough.

Gretchen: But you’re not currently a speech therapist.

Fei Ting: No, I’m not.

Gretchen: You work in a language lab. How did that happen, and what are you working on now?

Fei Ting: I did my undergraduate degree in linguistics, which I loved. It was fantastic. I think for the first time when our professors were like, “Let’s do research on the languages that you speak,” it was the first time that I thought, “Oh, you mean I can study Singapore English, like Singlish, in an academic setting? You mean it’s worthy of being studied?” I think that was the first thing. Then later on, after graduation, because I had looked at what speech therapy is and isn’t in Singapore currently, I thought, “Well, maybe I should go and do some work, earn some money, and then think about whether or not I wanna do grad school,” and then I think eventually settled on just my love for research more than being a therapist or going out and practicing in a clinical setting. I decided to pursue my master’s, and then after that, I just stayed with the same lab.

Gretchen: As a day-to-day level, as a lab manager, you’re working with and supervising the various studies that are being run by the professors and students and people in the lab. Yeah, what do you do as a lab manager?

Fei Ting: The number one thing is coordinating the different studies that go on. We have studies that are carried out independently by our PhD students. We also have studies that we run as a group amongst all of our research assistants and our student assistants, and then just making sure that everything is running on schedule. I also do a lot of prep before any study’s been conducted. We write all of our surveys. We make sure that all of the equipment is well set up. Then there is also the administrative side of things, which is the boring and less-glamorous part of research.

Gretchen: This is working on writing grants or filling out paperwork to get permission to work with children. You have to go through the ethics board and tell them, “No, we’re not gonna harm the children. It’s gonna be fine. They’re just gonna look at some pictures and hear some sounds or something.” If you’ve got equipment – like you’ve got an EEG machine, which is the electrode cap that you put on your head, and you can see the brain waves going. I guess that probably needs to be maintained.

Fei Ting: We need to watch that very thoroughly. We need to train our students when they come into the lab on how to use it. We have interns come in every summer, and they do good work with us. I also manage all of our interns and, I think, help our students or our undergrads see what’s the reality behind doing research. I think, very often, they might think about grad school, or they might think about moving into the field of academia after graduation, just seeing the glam side of things, or looking at papers that are being published, or books that are being written.

Gretchen: And papers look very polished, right. Like, “Oh, we did this thing. We had 32 infants. They came in and did this.” It doesn’t tell you like, “This infant started crying, and so we had to exclude them,” or like, “These infants – we tried to call their parents, and they wouldn’t reply to our messages, and so they wouldn’t come in. We actually tried to get 52, but only 32 came.”

Fei Ting: Yes, the day-to-day of it is very mundane. A lot of the work that we are focusing now on is understanding the linguistic landscape for children growing up in Singapore, so we wanna find out what’s going on at home: Who is talking to them, and in what languages, and in what proportion? The best way to do that right now is to send them home with a little recorder.

Gretchen: I’ve seen this recorder. It’s sort of the size of a credit card but thicker. You put it in a shirt that the child wears, and it has a little Velcro pocket, so it doesn’t fall it. Then it runs, and the kid can run around, and you’re not trying to keep them in front of a mic where they have to stay still, which because they’re toddlers, they’re not gonna do that. You can hear anything that the infant says and also anything that someone says, like an adult or an older child, says around them.

Fei Ting: That’s right. That recorder goes on for about 10-16 hours on its own. When we get that recording back, the humans have to go listen to these recordings. We do a lot of transcription work. That is one of the day-to-day mundane things. It’s not exciting. You sit in front of a computer, and you open up a file, and you’re listening, maybe, for an hour before you have to stop because it’s just too much. We do a lot of fine-grained transcription. We’re not only noting down the words that are being said, we are also looking at who’s saying it; we’re counting the number of turns; we’re making it for the different languages. Right now, I’m speaking English, but the day-to-day conversation for a Singaporean household might be English plus a lot of other things that are going on. Maybe it’s different from what we conventionally understand as code-switching or the way that code-switching is being described in textbooks is that you switch very elegantly from one language to the other in a nice, wrapped up sentence.

Gretchen: Right. So, it’s saying like, okay, I’m gonna say this bit in, for me, English, and then French or something, and I’m going back and forth. This implies that these two languages are distinct entities that I’m switching back and forth between them. But if you’ve grown up in a multilingual household your whole life, and your parents have also grown up in a multilingual household, what you’re also doing is producing the whole spectrum in a way that’s like how people have produced it around you but also may be a little bit different.

Fei Ting: It’s not “clean” code switching. It happens within an utterance. People swap out words, and sometimes it’s conscious, sometimes it’s unconscious, sometimes it’s deliberate to make a point. The way that we describe it, or I like to think about it, is if you have a salad bowl of different components – you have your tomatoes; you have your cucumber and onions – as I’m speaking to a different person, I can decide which part of the salad I wanna pick, which ingredient I wanna pick. It’s not a clean switch. For me, it would be English and Mandarin. It's not a clean switch between the two. Then, of course, there’s this very exciting thing called “Singlish.”

Gretchen: This is stuff that’s unique to Singapore. “Singlish” seems to imply that it’s English-y, but there’s stuff from lots of languages involved.

Fei Ting: When I was in university, and when we first looked at it from a very academic setting, it’s often described as a “creoloid.” It’s a little bit like a creole but maybe not. Then people have explained to it say that, oh, the backbone of Singlish is English, and then it’s added with all these vocabulary from non-English languages.

Gretchen: This is gonna be like Chinese but less Mandarin.

Fei Ting: Less Mandarin, for sure. More Hokkien. In some other parts of the world, “Hokkien” is also referred to as “Min Nan.” Then some Cantonese, some Teochew, Hakka, and then some Malay, and some Tamil.

Gretchen: So, Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka are all Chinese varieties within that, and then Malay and Tamil are separate from other regions of the world. These are all groups that have been part of Singapore.

Fei Ting: We were colonised by the British for a long time. Before that time, we didn’t really have people living on the island. Well, historically, if you look at it, there were fishermen or fishing villages, but largely this island is uninhabited. Then when the British came, and they decide to develop this place, or this island, as a port, obviously, lots of people came for work opportunities. We saw a lot of migration from modern-day south part of China, so the Guangzhou/Guangdong region. We also saw some migration from modern-day Malaysia and Indonesia and then from the southern part of India. That’s why the Indian language that’s spoken here, predominantly, by people at that time was Tamil instead of Hindi, for example.

Gretchen: These are the big ethnic groups in Singapore’s history. And then when people are coming into contact with them, they get mixed together – people using words from all sorts of sources. This is what kids are exposed to in the home. It’s not just “Oh, here’s Chinese. Here’s Mandarin,” which is the most famous version of Chinese, “but also here are words from Hokkien or Teochew or these other varieties,” and also, I guess, probably depending on the kid’s heritage, whether they’re gonna have more Malay words or more Tamil words or more Chinese words.

Fei Ting: That’s right.

Gretchen: What does this look like when you’re trying to say, “Here are the results that we have. This is what kids are getting exposed to”?

Fei Ting: I think the thing that we didn’t expect was to do so much language documentation as part of this project. Because what we wanna do is find out, you know, what are kids growing up hearing. But then, along the way, because we were collecting all of this data, we are also documenting what is the current state of things for what Singlish sounds like or what we can say what Singlish is in a household right now. If we look at the Singapore census, the last one was taken in 2020, a huge number of the younger population now say that English is the predominant home language. It has crossed the 50% threshold for the younger age groups. That’s a first in our country’s history. You can also imagine that the English here or the Singlish here is changing rapidly compared to my parents’ or my grandparents’ era.

Gretchen: What people are doing is changing. If you say English is a dominant home language, that’s picking one out of probably there are still several languages being spoken in this mixed way.

Fei Ting: Understanding what Singlish is is one thing, and then when we are writing it in our paper, how do we make ourselves well understood for an audience that is unfamiliar with research in a non-standard variety. One of the things that we tried explaining is this term that we use called “red-dot.” We have a current study going on called “Red-dot Baby-talk” where we have a list of words that we come up with based on what we know Singaporean parents use with their children, and we’re asking Singaporeans, “At what age do you think a child would know this word?” and “Would you use this word with a child?”

Gretchen: Just to back up for second. “Red-dot” is a term for Singapore, right, because if you look at a big map of the world, it’s a city state, effectively, it’s about the size of a red dot on a map. So, this is an affectionate way of referring to Singapore-specific words.

Fei Ting: Mm-hmm, yeah. One of the words would be “pom pom.” I might say it to a child after they’ve had a long day, and they’re sweaty, and I say, “Okay, now it’s time to pom-pom.”

Gretchen: Is this like “have a bath” or “a shower” or something?

Fei Ting: Yeah! That’s right. We don’t know – at least I have no idea – where that word came from. My guess is it’s from one of these Chinese varieties that we talked about just now, but I’m not 100% certain.

Gretchen: Right. Because it doesn’t have a clear etymology linked to any particular language. It’s just this is a word people use in Singapore with kids.

Fei Ting: Then we have “zut-zut,” which is the thing that you give to a crying child.

Gretchen: Like a candy or something, or a toy?

Fei Ting: Like a pacifier.

Gretchen: “Pacifier,” “binky,” “dummy” – I’ve heard a lot of words for it – “soother.”

Fei Ting: Then we also have the word “sayang.” “sayang” is – well, originated from Malay, but the use of it in Malay, it’s very different from the use of it in Singlish. In Malay, it can be used as a verb to mean, like, “love.” It can also be used as a term of affection. You can call someone your “sayang,” your “darling.” But in Singlish, it’s this action of stroking very gently. If you see a little cat, you might tell your child to “sayang” the cat.

Gretchen: “Make sure you do it gently and don’t pull the cat’s fur and their tail and make them scratch you.”

Fei Ting: If someone in that context is using the word “sayang,” I wouldn’t necessarily say that that person is code switching into Malay.

Gretchen: Right, because it has a different meaning in Malay, and they’re not using it with that meaning.

Fei Ting: And I’m not a Malay speaker, so when I use the word “sayang,” I can’t say that I’m code switching into Malay. I’ve just chosen a token in Singlish.

Gretchen: I can see how they’re used in a child-specific context, but there’re other parts of Singlish that are just part of the everyday vocabulary for adults and stuff as well.

Fei Ting: Yes, yes, yes, that’s right. So, you’ve been here a few days now, and food is a big thing in Singapore, and when food is good or when things are going well, in a good scenario, we can say, “shiok.”

Gretchen: I’ve seen this on some signs. It seems to be – I was walking in one of the streets, and they were saying, “shiok” because they were trying to say, “This food is good,” and it’s good in a Singaporean sort of way. I think the sign said, “Shiok lah,” which was maybe a little bit trying to be really heavy on the Singlish thing because “lah” is this famous word in Singlish that is used as a particle at the end of sentences for a lot of different purposes.

Fei Ting: For a lot of different purposes. We have a lot of these sentence-final, utterance-final particles. Origin of it is from Chinese varieties. We have “lah,” “leh,” “meh,” “hor,” “liao” – maybe lots of other ones that I’m missing right now.

Gretchen: There’s probably a whole list. I mean, we can link to some things about Singlish if people want to get a larger picture of what’s going on. This is not the teach-us-Singlish-in-half-an-hour episode. But yeah, the one that I’ve heard people say a fair bit is “lah” because it seems to be pretty common. It’s like a confirmation or question.

Fei Ting: Confirmation. It’s also sometimes used to make something sound final and definitive. Like if you ask me if I could do something, and I say, “Can lah.”

Gretchen: This gets us to another one that I’ve also heard people use which is “Can” by itself as sort of a response to questions or whether something can happen. I was in a cab, and the cab driver said, “Can?”, as in, “Can you get out okay?”, or “Are you doing this?”, and I guess I probably should’ve responded, “Can,” but I don’t have this naturally yet. Maybe if I’m here a little bit longer.

Fei Ting: You can say, “Can,” or “Can can.” “Can can” is to confirm that you can actually do something, or it can happen.

Gretchen: I think the closest thing that I have to that in my English is “Can do,” which still drops the subject or doesn’t have the subject there, but for some reason I want the “do” to be there – “Can do.” Or like, “I can,” “I think I can,” compared to, I heard someone say, “Think can,” where I would say, “I think I can.”

Fei Ting: Over here “Think can” or “I think can” is very well-formed. “I think I can” is –

Gretchen: Almost too much?

Fei Ting: Yeah, almost too much.

Gretchen: Or you’re being very emphatic about that it’s “I” think I can – may “you” don’t. This is probably Chinese influence, right?

Fei Ting: Yeah. If we think about Chinese as a language that determines the topic of the sentence first, and then you add comments to that topic, that’s why we can go about dropping the subject or dropping a lot of these modal verbs. One of the studies that we did previously was, well, one of our undergrads started this project. We ask people to look at different menus and order the same dish but to imagine themselves in three different settings. The first setting is the menu is printed on really nice, fancy paper, and fancy font, and it’s supposed to mimic a fancy restaurant. The second menu is in casual font, and the setting is a hip café. Then the last one, we didn’t have a menu, but it was just a picture of a hawker centre stall front.

Gretchen: The hawker centres have a whole bunch of little marketplaces but indoors. They have all these food stalls. You go around from each one and you sit – I think of them as cafeteria tables. You sit out at them. You have a tray, and you get food and drinks and desserts and stuff from different places. This is very informal.

Fei Ting: Yeah, very, very informal. We had undergrads come in and order the same dish which is the dish of laksa.

Gretchen: Which I’ve now had. It was very good. It’s kind of a spicy soup.

Fei Ting: Yeah. And then the instruction was that, when they ordered it, they have to ask for more chili, and they should ask to take it away.

Gretchen: Just to give them more things to say.

Fei Ting: Yeah. So, when people are imagining themselves in a very fancy restaurant, they might say, “Can I please have a bowl of laksa? Can you add more chili? And I would like to have it taken away.”

Gretchen: These very full sentences and trying to be polite and add this extra ornamentation around that.

Fei Ting: Mm-hmm. Then when you do a syntax analysis on it, I mean, we draw grammar trees, you end up with a very complex grammar tree or quite a number of grammar trees just to explain this one scenario. But when they’re given a picture of a hawker stall, and they’re supposed to imagine a very informal setting, they can say something like, “Aunty, one laksa, more chili, takeaway.”

Gretchen: “Aunty, one laksa, more chili, takeaway,” just saying each of the bits of information without, “Oh, please, if you don’t mind, can I have this.”

Fei Ting: You don’t need the “Can I have…” You don’t need the extra verbs or the extra sentence structure. It’s just the topic – “one laksa,” and then “more chili,” and then “takeaway.”

Gretchen: And this is not rude. This is polite. This is a normal thing you say. And you’ve said “Aunty” because you’re addressing the stall owner as “Aunty” or “Uncle,” based on who they are, which is polite.

Fei Ting: That’s also another thing about – I think you hear it here in Singapore. You also would hear it in Malaysia. This calling everyone “Aunty” and “Uncle” even though they’re not related to you if they are somewhere like the age your parents might be, and then you just – “Aunty,” “Uncle” – everyone is.

Gretchen: You have other words for people who are closer in age to you or younger?

Fei Ting: Not quite.

Gretchen: It’s more about elders.

Fei Ting: It’s more for elders. If I approach, like – or if I’m in a cab – the “Taxi Uncle” might address me as “Xiao Mei,” like “Little Girl” or “Young Girl.” Or if I’m ordering something, and they wanna be nice and polite, they might say, “Mei Nü,” which is “Pretty Girl.” Even though –

Gretchen: They’re not hitting on you. This is just a polite thing to say.

Fei Ting: Yeah. But usually you will hear them say “Xiao Mei,” which is “Little Girl,” to a female and then “Xiao Di” to a guy ordering something.

Gretchen: Because you have that age thing. In French, I’m used to people addressing me as “Madame” or “Mademoiselle.” There was a period when I was getting 50/50, and now it’s mostly “Madame,” so clearly people think I’ve gotten older. But there was a period when it depended on what on wore for which one I would get. How strangers address you in public is just –

Fei Ting: If my mom were to go to the market, for example, she might address someone working there as “Aunty,” and then they will also address her as “Aunty.”

Gretchen: We’re both at the right age where we could have nieces and nephews, so we’re both “Aunties” now.

Fei Ting: And that’s perfectly fine.

Gretchen: You’ve also been doing some interesting things with research methodology and how to get this audio data, apart from bringing parents into the lab and having them talk to kids.

Fei Ting: Well, with COVID, everything was interrupted. I think people who are doing research – everyone would commiserate over our lack of ability to reach out to parents with little kids. We did a years-long study on Zoom.

Gretchen: So, you get parents talking to their kids on Zoom. Kids aren’t always very good at interacting with a computer, with the technology.

Fei Ting: We had 8- to 36-month-olds. The task was for their parents to describe to them a wordless picture book on Zoom. Sometimes, like you said, some kids are clearly not interested.

Gretchen: But at least having a picture book to look at gives them something to do on camera and not just like, “C’mon, talk! Talk to the nice research aunty.”

Fei Ting: Exactly. Because the picture book is wordless, it’s up to them in what language they would like to do the task in. Some parents get very excited about describing every single thing on the screen instead of just following along the main storyline. Sometimes, they will break off to “Oh, you remember, we saw an elephant” – because in the book, there is an elephant – and then they might, “the other day” or “the other time, we went to the zoo. We saw an elephant. You remember.” And then they might go on talking about other things, which is a nice thing about wordless picture books, actually.

Gretchen: It just gives them some stimulus to talk about, rather than just being like, “Okay, here we are in front of a computer. All we can talk about is the computer.” Now, you’ve got the elephant as a topic of conversation.

Fei Ting: And I don’t know about kids growing up in this COVID period. Maybe they’ve gotten used to seeing another human onscreen. We didn’t have kids who were like, “Ah, this is so weird. I don’t wanna do this anymore.”

Gretchen: Because they’re already talking to, probably, other friends and family members and things using Zoom because they’re pandemic babies.

Fei Ting: Exactly. We had some funny things that happened. This brings back to the reality of doing research. Sometimes, I would have parents carry the laptop they were talking to me on, on Zoom, and chasing after their kid, or like, “Ah, just come back here. This nice lady is waiting for us to finish the story,” and things like that happened. Or because we’re recording them in their home, sometimes someone walks into the room that they’re in. These sort of unexpected scenarios do pop up from time to time, but we’re really happy with the data that we managed to collect.

Gretchen: Do you have results for that yet?

Fei Ting: We have a methods paper out because, as part of the study, we ran it as a micro-longitudinal intervention study.

Gretchen: What does that mean?

Fei Ting: The intervention that we ran was for the parents. We wanted to see if giving parents tips – concrete tips – on what they can do with their child to improve or to add on to the kind of talk they can have with their child, whether or not that would influence or change the way that they would communicate with their kids. The baseline was describing the wordless picture book the first time, and then they would go through an intervention for –

Gretchen: So, they would get text messages every day for 28 days that would say things like, “Have you considered singing songs with your kid?”, or “When you see pictures, talking about what’s in the pictures,” or something like that?

Fei Ting: Every day we gave them a tip. The tips start out really easy like doing some counting, and then the last we tell parents about concepts that might be a bit more advanced, things like mental state verbs – so verbs like “I think” or “I wonder.” There is literature to show that when you use mental state verbs with your child, 1). you’re helping them imagine scenarios they are not in, right, think about it from someone else’s perspective. So, this ties in with this thing called the “theory of mind.” Then when you use these words, especially in English, your sentences get a bit more complex.

Gretchen: Because if you’re saying, “I think this,” and then you have to have another sentence in there, which is not quite the same thing if you’re doing like, “Think can.”

Fei Ting: Exactly. After 28 days, we see them again on Zoom for the same video call picture book description. Then we ran it as an RTT – randomised control trial.

Gretchen: So, they’re randomly in one group that has these 28 tips in between, and then another group that has something less.

Fei Ting: The other group, we only gave them one email a week. There’re no concrete tips. It’s just emphasising on how important it is to talk to their child. But because the way we advertise it, we said, “You can sign up. We’ll give you some tips.”

Gretchen: Ah, so this was important to make parents wanna participate in the study because they think they’re doing something good for their child by getting some tips there. Because there’s lots of reasons people wanna participate in studies. Sometimes, you pay them. Sometimes, the kid gets a toy or something. But also, in this case they wanted to feel like they were getting some help with raising a kid.

Fei Ting: Yeah. After the first 28 days and then after we saw them for a second time point, we swapped both groups of parents around. If you had intervention, now you’re in the non-intervention group, and you only got one email per week. Then the parents who didn’t get the tips previously, they now got a message every day.

Gretchen: So, are you sitting there texting all the parents individually? Or do you have an automatic system?

Fei Ting: No, we don’t. Our research assistant, Shaza, she was doing all the texting. Because it was a rolling sign up programme –

Gretchen: You have some people who are on Day 2, and some people who’re on Day 20, and they each need to get a different message. It’s almost complicated to program.

Fei Ting: It’s difficult. She would text them at 10:00 in the morning and say, “Today’s tip is this.” And then with each tip, we would also give a link to our website where they can read more if they wanted to. In the evening, around 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., she would text them again and say, “Hi Parent, did you try our tip today? How did you find it?” That’s the other unique part of our intervention because a lot of the times when people are in an intervention, they’re left alone for the entirety, and then at the end they might be given a feedback survey.

Gretchen: It’s almost just as much about having the support for talking about what parenting was like and reflecting on using language with their child that they feel like they got some sort of emotional support out of it.

Fei Ting: Yeah. Or any kind of interaction. Because at that time, well, we started collecting data June of 2020.

Gretchen: This is lockdown.

Fei Ting: Lockdown, right. A lot of parents were working from home. People couldn’t see their family members. So, having a researcher to talk to might be nice.

Gretchen: [Laughs] Yeah, that’s kind of nice.

Fei Ting: Or a lot of children, if they were going to infant care or day care, all of that had stopped.

Gretchen: Of course.

Fei Ting: I guess for a lot of parents, it was like, “Oh, I’m given some kind of support!”

Gretchen: It would be interesting, I guess, to try to figure out how much of that was pandemic or lockdown specific, especially if the parent is becoming the child’s only or primary source of language input in a way that, if they’re going to child care or preschool or seeing their relatives and stuff like that, they wouldn’t be as much dependent on one or two people for talking with the child all the time as language input, they would have a broader community access.

Fei Ting: That’s right. I think that was one of the things that parents have told us, like, “Oh, yeah, language input has changed.” It’s not something that they actively thought about, but then they’re like, “Oh, yeah, my kid’s not getting that much Malay because, well, my mom speaks to them in Malay, but now we can’t visit grandma anymore.”

Gretchen: This changes the way that the language input goes.

Fei Ting: We have a methods paper out. We are still transcribing.

Gretchen: Transcribing takes so long.

Fei Ting: It does.

Gretchen: I think the estimate that I learned in grad school was, like, for every one minute of audio, it takes an hour to transcribe.

Fei Ting: That’s the pace that we’re going at. We have been very blessed with lots of great transcribers and student assistants who’ve come in and helped us, so we are almost there. We’re very happy that we have 142 parents and families that stayed with us through all three time points. I think it’s a little rare to see that for a longitudinal study involving children.

Gretchen: They had nothing else to do in lockdown, so they stayed in your study.

Fei Ting: Yeah, I like to think that. And I also like to think that we were nice, and they found it useful.

Gretchen: To have the supportive text messages every day.

Fei Ting: We’re going into the next stage where we will be doing some analysis. We’re counting number of turns taken. We’re counting number of words and the diversity of words being used and whether or not people swapped or changed or code switched in any way.

Gretchen: And then you end up with, also, this linguistic landscape of how people are talking in their homes, at least, when they have a kid around. And you can see which bits there. When you’re talking about code switching, you can say, “Okay, these words are in English. These words are specifically in Hokkien or Mandarin. These words are in Tamil or Malay,” but you also have the Singlish-specific words, the Red-dot words, that are hard to pin down for one particular language.

Fei Ting: We’ve essentially written our own little dictionary, actually.

Gretchen: That’s great!

Fei Ting: Along the way, we were like, ah, there’s this word that’s come up, but because a lot of Singlish hasn’t been codified or documented, there is no one way to spell it.

Gretchen: Of course. Because it’s mostly spoken.

Fei Ting: If we’ve decided to spell it one way, we always have to check with other Singlish speakers around us, and then – we don’t wanna say, “Oh, we’re spelling it this way, and this way must be right.” We’re saying, “We have to come up with something.”

Gretchen: You have to pick one because if you wanna say, “Okay, for every hundred words that this parent says, 30 of them are in Malay, 50 of them are in English, 23 of them are in Singlish/Red-dot words.” It’s hard to pin down exactly which of them are from where, but you need to be able to look through and say, “This one word, ‘shiok,’ is being used this many times in the whole corpus,” not “We spelled it 14 different ways, and so we have no idea how many times it’s being used,” just for your own internal purposes, which isn’t to say that someone else is wrong for using a different spelling.

Fei Ting: That’s right. We wanna be very open about it, so we have a Wiki page that’s open for anyone who wants to come and look at our transcription conventions. Our dictionary is also open access, so people can come in and take a look at that, at how we’ve decided to codify certain things just because we need it for our own, like you mentioned, counts and things like that. The other part of our project is working with speech engineers. I’m sure you’re familiar with Siri and Google, right.

Gretchen: I talk into the – they transcribe me, they understand me. But I notice even when I’m speaking French to them, which I don’t have a native French accent, they’re not very good at transcribing what I’m saying in a language that isn’t like the very Paris French that they’re trained on. I bet this happens with Singlish.

Fei Ting: It’s a challenge. It’s difficult in Singlish. It’s difficult when people switch between or among the languages so rapidly. We had a PhD student from the engineering department that was on this project, and he was looking at how do you do automatic language identification on the recordings that we collected because –

Gretchen: This could save you a lot of time if it works.

Fei Ting: If it works. But it’s also a really challenging problem. One, it’s that it’s not the standard variety and then the other thing is it’s child directed. They don’t have good solutions for child-directed speech yet.

Gretchen: Because people talk differently to children. They maybe use, depending on the language, like a broader range of pitches, or higher pitches, maybe they talk a bit slower, they have child-specific vocabulary, like this word for “pacifier” which has a lot of child-specific words in different languages or different varieties. This is not the kind of thing that language models are trained on. They’re training on journalists talking on the news in this very formal context.

Fei Ting: That’s right. Our PhD student has done really great work. We also work with our speech engineers at Johns Hopkins University. Whenever we have meetings with them, I tell them, “Oh, I’m so sorry for our” – our data set’s really problematic. I know that. I understand that. But they see it as a great challenge.

Gretchen: Right. And if all you’re doing is news stuff, it’s less interesting or relevant. Maybe it’s a problem, but maybe the algorithms that were not accounting for it are the problem.

Fei Ting: Exactly. Our language models are only as good as the data that we train them on. They all come with a certain set of biases.

Gretchen: Absolutely.

Fei Ting: Right now, the bias is non-child-directed language.

Gretchen: And non-Singaporean language.

Fei Ting: Non-Singaporean language. It’s been interesting just looking at our data from their point of view as well. There’s gonna be more and more reliance on AI in the future, for sure, not just for our line of work but just part of our day-to-day living. If AI is supposed to accommodate the natural languages of the world, then it should be able to do this.

Gretchen: And it should actually be trained on how people talk in multilingual environments. Fei Ting, thanks so much for coming on the podcast.

Fei Ting: Thanks for having me.

Gretchen: If you could leave people knowing one thing about linguistics, what would it be?

Fei Ting: I think it would be that there’s still a lot that we don’t know. I think the brain is a fascinating organ, and a lot of what we do know about what the brain does when it comes to language processing and language acquisition, we know it from a very monolingual English point of view. Most of the people around the world are non-monolingual speakers, and a lot of them don’t speak English, so if we wanna know how this organ that we have works when it comes to language acquisition and language processing, then we need more research on non-monolingual English-speaking populations.

[Music]

Gretchen: For more Lingthusiasm and links to all the things mentioned in this episode, go to lingthusiasm.com. You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts. You can follow @lingthusiasm on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr. You can get IPA scarves, “Not Judging Your Grammar, Just Analysing It” stickers, IPA posters, and other Lingthusiasm merch at lingthusiasm.com/merch. I can be found as @GretchenAMcC on Twitter, my blog is AllThingsLinguistic.com, and my book about internet language is called Because Internet. Lauren tweets and blogs as Superlinguo. And our guest, Woon Fei Ting, can be found as @FeitingW on Twitter, and the lab is Facebook.com/bliplabntu. Have you listened to all the Lingthusiasm episodes, and you wish there were more? You can get access to an extra Lingthusiasm episode to listen to every month plus our entire archive of bonus episodes to listen to right now at patreon.com/lingthusiasm or follow the links from our website. Have you gotten really into linguistics, and you wish you had more people to talk with about it? Patrons also get access to our Discord chatroom to talk with other linguistics fans. Plus, all patrons help keep the show ad-free. Can’t afford to pledge? That’s okay, too. We also really appreciate it if you can recommend Lingthusiasm to anyone in your life who’s curious about language. Lingthusiasm is created and produced by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne. Our Senior Producer is Claire Gawne, our Editorial Producer is Sarah Dopierala, and our Production Assistant is Martha Tsutsui-Billins. Our music is “Ancient City” by The Triangles.

Fei Ting: Stay lingthusiastic!

[Music]

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

[transorze-gopika]

Best OET Training in Idukki

What is OET ?

OET (Occupational English Test) is an exam for healthcare professionals who seeking a job or practice in an English-speaking environment in order to test their English proficiency. This exam provide a reliable assessment of 4 language skills- reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Reading test is 60 minutes and it consists of 42 questions. Listening test also has 42 questions which is approximately 50 minutes. Speaking test has 20 minutes and writing is 45 minutes.

OET is trusted by hospitals and universities in UK, Ireland, UAE, New Zealand and Singapore as a proof of their English proficiency. OET is available in 42 countries at more than 140 venues. The OET is available in 12 different versions for various healthcare professions, including nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, veterinarians, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiographers. Both have the identical Reading and Listening parts.

OET tests for international health practitioners in the following 12 professions:

1. Dentistry

2. Dietetics

3. Podiatry

4. Occupational Therapy

5. Nursing Radiography

6. Medicine

7. Radiography

8. Optometry 

9. Speech Pathology

10. Pharmacy

11. Physiotherapy

12. Veterinary Science

Transorze Solutions is a well-known training institute that provides courses and training programmes for professionals who want to improve their English language skills in order to flourish in their chosen field. The OET is a common English language competency test among healthcare workers. It is internationally recognized. The OET Training Institute provides seminars, workshops, and practice examinations to help students attain their targeted OET results. We provides a wide selection of courses and training programmes to accommodate various skill levels and learning styles. The institute provides one-on-one tutoring, classroom instruction, online courses, and workshops. The course is intended to assist students enhance their listening, reading, writing, speaking, and overall communication abilities.

[dmablogs]

Understanding the Benefits of Logos Therapy in Speech Therapy Singapore

Speech therapy is an essential part of many people's developmental journey, particularly when it comes to children or adults who face challenges with communication. In Singapore, Logos therapy is gaining attention as an effective and comprehensive approach to improving speech and language skills. Whether you're seeking therapy for your child or adult family member, understanding what Logos therapy offers can provide clarity in choosing the right type of intervention.

What is Logos Therapy?

Logos therapy is a specialized approach to speech therapy that focuses on improving a person’s communication skills through a combination of cognitive and behavioral techniques. The therapy is designed to help individuals overcome speech and language difficulties, whether they stem from developmental delays, trauma, or medical conditions. What sets Logos therapy apart is its holistic approach, considering the emotional and psychological aspects of communication along with the physical components like articulation and fluency.

Why Choose Logos Therapy for Speech Therapy in Singapore?

Speech therapy Singapore is widely recognized for its importance in fostering communication skills in both children and adults. Logos therapy stands out because it addresses not only the speech impediments but also the cognitive and emotional factors that may affect communication abilities. Whether you're dealing with language delay, speech disorders, or issues like stuttering or voice problems, Logos therapy can offer tailored solutions that improve overall communication skills.

One key feature of Logos therapy is its emphasis on creating a strong therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the individual. This personalized approach ensures that the therapy addresses the specific needs and challenges of each patient. Whether you're looking for speech therapy Singapore for your child or seeking therapy for yourself, Logos therapy’s customized approach ensures that every individual receives the best possible care and attention.

The Advantages of Logos Therapy

Tailored Interventions: Logos therapy takes into account the unique challenges faced by each individual, creating a personalized treatment plan. This ensures that each session focuses on areas where improvement is most needed.

Holistic Approach: Logos therapy doesn't just focus on speech, it incorporates the emotional and psychological aspects that may affect speech development. This is especially helpful for individuals with speech issues caused by trauma or anxiety.

Improved Confidence: By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of communication, Logos therapy helps individuals build confidence in their ability to speak and express themselves.

Family Involvement: Logos therapy often includes family members in the therapy process. This allows families to understand their loved ones' challenges and support them more effectively at home.

Logos Therapy and Children

For children in Singapore, speech therapy is vital for developing strong communication skills. Logos therapy is particularly effective for children who are experiencing language delays or other developmental issues that affect their speech. The approach includes games, activities, and interactive lessons that make the therapy process engaging and enjoyable. This increases the likelihood of children responding positively to therapy, which leads to faster progress.

Logos Therapy for Adults

Adults with speech disorders, whether from stroke, trauma, or other medical conditions, can also benefit from Logos therapy. The therapy can help improve fluency, articulation, and cognitive processing, enabling individuals to regain confidence in their communication skills. For those dealing with speech anxiety or social communication issues, Logos therapy offers practical tools and strategies to manage and overcome these challenges.

Conclusion

Logos therapy offers an innovative and effective approach to speech therapy in Singapore, making it a strong option for those in need of specialized care. Whether it's for a child with speech delays or an adult seeking to improve communication after an injury, Logos therapy is an adaptable solution that provides significant results. If you are looking for speech therapy Singapore, consider Logos therapy as a valuable option to support the communication needs of you or your loved ones.

By choosing a method like Logos therapy, individuals and families can take proactive steps toward improving speech, building confidence, and achieving better communication outcomes.

[goodjobcreations]

Find Your Dream Healthcare Job in Singapore Now

Are you passionate about a career in healthcare? If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to step into this dynamic industry, Singapore is the place to be. With its world-class medical facilities, continuous innovation, and an ever-growing demand for skilled professionals, healthcare jobs in Singapore offer unparalleled opportunities for career growth and personal fulfilment. At Good Job Creations, we’re committed to helping you discover your dream healthcare job and setting you on the path to success.

Why Healthcare in Singapore?

Singapore’s healthcare system is renowned for its excellence and efficiency. The country’s robust infrastructure, supported by cutting-edge technology and government investments, makes it a global leader in medical services. Healthcare professionals in Singapore enjoy rewarding careers with job stability, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of making a real difference in people’s lives.

If you're ready to be part of a fast-evolving industry that values dedication and expertise, there’s no better time to explore healthcare jobs in Singapore.

Top Healthcare Careers to Consider

1. Nurses

Nurses are the heart of the healthcare system, providing critical support to patients and families. In Singapore, nurses are in high demand across hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. Whether you want to specialise in intensive care, pediatrics, or geriatrics, nursing offers a rewarding career with opportunities for continuous learning.

2. Allied Health Professionals

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists are essential in helping patients recover and regain independence. With the increasing focus on rehabilitation and preventative care, these roles have become some of the most sought-after in Singapore’s healthcare sector.

3. Medical Technologists

Behind every accurate diagnosis is a skilled medical technologist. From running lab tests to managing diagnostic equipment, these professionals ensure that patients receive timely and precise care. As healthcare technology advances, the need for talented technologists continues to grow.

4. Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring safe and effective medication use. Whether working in hospitals, community pharmacies, or research, pharmacists are key players in Singapore’s healthcare landscape, where they enjoy excellent career stability and growth prospects.

5. Healthcare Administrators

Healthcare administrators ensure that medical facilities operate smoothly. From managing resources to enhancing patient care systems, administrators are the backbone of efficient healthcare services. This role is ideal for those with strong organisational skills and a passion for leadership.

The Growing Demand for Healthcare Jobs in Singapore

As Singapore’s population ages and medical advancements continue, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. Beyond the technical roles, there’s a growing emphasis on holistic care, creating opportunities for roles like dietitians, mental health counsellors, and wellness coaches.

With the healthcare industry evolving, professionals have the chance to grow alongside it, embracing new challenges and reaping the rewards of a fulfilling career.

Why Choose Good Job Creations?

Finding your dream job can be overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. At Good Job Creations, we specialise in connecting talented individuals with the best healthcare jobs in Singapore. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to advance your career, we’ll guide you every step of the way to find the perfect role tailored to your goals.

Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come to you—seize it today! With healthcare jobs in Singapore booming, there’s never been a better time to pursue your passion and make a meaningful impact. Let Good Job Creations help you turn your aspirations into reality. Start your journey now and discover how fulfilling a career in healthcare can truly be!

[03application]

Choosing the Right Speech Therapist for Your Child in Singapore

Choosing the right speech therapist for your child is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their communication development and overall well-being. In Singapore, where numerous options are available, finding the best fit requires careful consideration of various factors. This guide will help you navigate the process and ensure you select a speech therapist who meets your child's needs.

Understanding the Role of a Speech Therapist

A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), specializes in diagnosing and treating speech, language, and communication disorders. They work with children to improve their articulation, language comprehension, expressive language, social communication skills, and sometimes feeding and swallowing issues.

Identifying Your Child’s Needs

Before starting your search, it’s essential to understand your child’s specific needs. Consider the following:

Speech Delays or Disorders: Issues with pronouncing sounds correctly.

Language Delays or Disorders: Difficulty understanding or using language.

Social Communication Disorders: Challenges with social interactions and understanding social cues.

Fluency Disorders: Stuttering or other disruptions in the flow of speech.

Feeding and Swallowing Issues: Difficulty with eating or swallowing safely.

Researching Potential Speech Therapists

Once you have a clear understanding of your child’s needs, begin researching potential speech therapists in Singapore. Here are some steps to help you find qualified professionals:

Referrals and Recommendations: Ask for referrals from your child’s pediatrician, teachers, or other parents. Online parenting forums and social media groups can also be valuable resources.

Professional Associations: Look for speech therapists who are members of professional associations such as the Speech-Language and Hearing Association Singapore (SHAS). Membership in these organizations often indicates adherence to professional standards and ongoing professional development.

Clinic or Private Practice: Decide whether you prefer a therapist from a clinic or a private practice. Clinics may offer a multidisciplinary approach, while private practices may provide more personalized attention.

Evaluating Qualifications and Experience

When evaluating potential speech therapists, consider their qualifications and experience:

Education and Certification: Ensure the therapist has a relevant degree and is certified to practice in Singapore. Check for additional certifications or specializations relevant to your child’s needs.

Experience: Inquire about the therapist’s experience working with children who have similar issues to your child’s. Experienced therapists are often better equipped to handle a range of challenges.

Continuing Education: A commitment to continuing education indicates that the therapist stays updated with the latest research and techniques in speech therapy.

Assessing Therapy Approaches and Techniques

Different therapists may use various approaches and techniques. It’s essential to find one whose methods align with your child’s needs and your family’s preferences:

Individualized Therapy Plans: Ensure the therapist develops personalized therapy plans tailored to your child’s specific needs and progress.

Parent Involvement: Look for therapists who encourage parent involvement and provide guidance on how you can support your child’s development at home.

Use of Technology: Some therapists incorporate technology, such as speech therapy apps and tools, to enhance therapy sessions.

Evaluating Compatibility and Comfort

Your child’s comfort and rapport with the therapist are crucial for effective therapy:

Initial Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation to observe how the therapist interacts with your child. Pay attention to the therapist’s communication style and whether your child feels comfortable and engaged.

Therapist’s Personality: Consider the therapist’s personality and approach. A warm, patient, and encouraging therapist can make a significant difference in your child’s motivation and progress.

Considering Logistics and Practicalities

Practical considerations also play a role in choosing the right speech therapist:

Location and Accessibility: Choose a therapist whose office is conveniently located and easily accessible. Consider the time and effort required to attend regular sessions.

Session Scheduling: Ensure the therapist’s availability aligns with your schedule. Consistency is crucial for effective therapy, so finding a time that works for both parties is essential.

Cost and Insurance: Inquire about the cost of therapy sessions and whether the therapist accepts your insurance. Some clinics may offer sliding scale fees based on income.

Seeking Feedback and Monitoring Progress

After selecting a therapist, continuously monitor your child’s progress and seek feedback:

Regular Updates: Expect regular updates from the therapist on your child’s progress and any adjustments to the therapy plan.

Open Communication: Maintain open communication with the therapist to address any concerns or questions promptly.

Evaluate Effectiveness: Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy. If you do not see improvement or feel the approach isn’t working, don’t hesitate to discuss alternatives or consider seeking a second opinion.

Conclusion

Choosing the right speech therapist for your child in Singapore involves understanding your child’s needs, researching potential therapists, and evaluating their qualifications, experience, and approach. By considering these factors and maintaining open communication, you can find a therapist who will provide the support your child needs to improve their communication skills and overall quality of life.

[studymedicc]

OET or IELTS:Determine which is best for you.

The OET (Occupational English Test) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are assessments used to determine the level of English proficiency among medical professionals worldwide, including nurses and doctors.

Regulatory agencies also utilize these tests to verify that healthcare personnel have the language proficiency needed to interact with patients and coworkers in an efficient manner and deliver adequate medical care. You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re having trouble deciding which one to pick.

What sets the two apart?

IELTS and OET tests are recognized by GMC and the NMC. The method they assess your aptitude, though, is very different. IELTS assesses your general ability to speak in English, while OET evaluates your English communication abilities in a medical setting.

Which one is more challenging?

There are many rumors that OET is much simpler to pass than IELTS. It is untrue, nevertheless, in the actual situation. Nonetheless, the standard that UK regulatory authorities expect for every assessment is quite similar. The fact that many healthcare professionals who took the OET passed on their first try is what gave rise to the notion. The fact that the test was simpler has nothing to do with this. It was as a result of the test evaluating their more accustomed talents. Additionally, OET evaluates your ability to communicate in English while testing the abilities you now employ in the healthcare industry.

What do they have in common?

Components

Reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Grading

Instead of receiving a pass or fail, students receive a graded score. In the UK, the General Medical Council mandates that physicians obtain an OET score of B with a B in every paper, or an IELTS score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7 in every paper.

Score Evaluation

Both an IELTS score of 7 and an OET score of B are regarded as advanced or C1 levels of English proficiency by the Common European Framework of Reference.

What are the differences?

Nature of the exam

The OET Exam assesses your proficiency in medical English, whereas the IELTS evaluates your academic English. This will also involve your abilities to communicate with patients, perform medical consultations, and draft letters of recommendation and discharge.

Types

The OET is available in 12 versions for various healthcare professions, such as nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, veterinarians, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiologists. The IELTS exam is available in two versions: Academic and General Training.

Assessment

IELTS is scored out of nine, with a different score assigned to each paper. OET scores range from A to E, and a numerical score is included to indicate your exact grade.

Validity

Healthcare regulatory agencies in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Ukraine, and Namibia have recognized OET. Conversely, IELTS is accepted worldwide by colleges, regulatory agencies for the healthcare industry, immigration authorities, and businesses.

For healthcare workers, the Occupational English Test (OET) serves mainly as an English language proficiency exam. Furthermore, in the UK and Ireland, it is approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Additionally, OET and IELTS Academic are accepted by the NMC and GMC in the UK and Ireland.

Connect with us to know more.

[mindchamps-alliedcare-blog]

Things You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is mainly a developmental and behavioural disorder which results from the combination of definite traits. This disorder ranges from lower-functioning autism to higher-functioning autism to usual behaviour to perhaps hyper socialization.

What Is This Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is known to be an influential developmental disorder that obstructs the child's normal development abilities such as speech and communication. Autism spectrum disorder isn’t a developmental disorder like Dyslexia, It’s very important to understand that a majority of people suffering from this disorder end up living with difficulty.

Some Important Facts about This Disorder

•    A lot of researchers think that autism is a combination of genetic vulnerability, which is activated through some kind of social or toxic influence.

•    At an early stage, a child may start demonstrating the three main signs of autism: communication challenges, obstructed social interaction, and tiresome behaviour.

•    According to the best speech therapist in Singapore, There is a higher chance of being diagnosed with autism in comparison to childhood cancer, diabetes, or AIDS combined

•    Environmental factors which might induce the inclined genes to undergo mutation which may result in autism, are several and might include certain chemicals, medications, heavy contact with metals, prolonged TV viewing, anti-infection agents, or disease during pregnancy.

•    Parents and researchers discuss whether autism is to be considered as a disability, or to be perceived as part of an individual's attribute.

•    Researchers have found that the area of our brain, known as Amygdala was around 13% larger in kids having autism as compared to kids not having autism.

•    Though kids suffering from autism have different issues like constipation and eating (for instance, repetitive eating), normally they do not have a greater occurrence of gastrointestinal problems than other kids.

[vanessawren69]

How Can Parents Help During Children Treatment

Like most parents, we welcomed our first brand new born with all excitement and enthusiasm. We did the regular things parents-to-be do - getting all set a nursery with decorations, furniture, toys and clothing. We read novels and moved to classes about the best way to raise the boy at his first calendar year. Very little did people know none of the would educate us to manage exactly what lay ahead. Vincent was born without problems in the US full-time. We attracted him back to Singapore if he was 10 weeks old. Our purpose was to bring him up in a multi ethnic and multi lingual environment.However, when he had been three months' old, Vincent turned into a normal guest into the doctor's clinic. He was diagnosed with spleen and liver enlargements that required per week, monthly then half a lever work blood evaluations. His receptor was 800+ as the kid ought to be below 50. His receptor level stabilized once he switched three.At 14 weeks', he got an infection from a make-up BCG injection. This required fundamental anesthetization and operation to both remove the pustule. At two, a doctor discovered that Vincent had a heart murmur. Thankfully, it was a benign murmur. Initially, Vincent dropped over a roadside curve which required a few stitches above his right eye brow. In the beginning, he'd high fever for two successive times and must be admitted into hospital. In between, there clearly were the common influenza and colds.I visualize many parents have gone through similar scenarios. However, these are not the challenges that confronted our faith, analyzed our strength, and improved the course of their lives. Until eventually we observed that he had been different at a year and half an hour, Vincent'd met all milestones. He'd no language. This meant he did not complete a single comprehensible word. He'd not call Mum or Dad. The doctor advised us not to worry as boys develop language skills after. We became very stressed if he did not have any vocabulary at a couple of yearsold. This began another flow of consultation with all specialists in ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), neurology, psychology, and psychiatry. It took us to search, timetable and complete the evaluation. Vincent's hearing was tested. Even the neurologist couldn't get anything strange in your visual test and also called us into some psychologist.The session with all the psychologist has been disastrous. She had been than one hour for its consultation. Vincent lost patience wet and waiting his trousers during the evaluation, nevertheless he'd been toilet trained. The psychologist prescribed him having a"conduct Illness". This brought disbelief and confusion to people. The only positive outcome was a summary of recommended colleges which could accept kids like Vincent.We then sought advice out of a renowned psychiatrist. I still vividly remember the assembly in excess of Vincent's identification: Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS). The health care provider couldn't pin point the cause although in ayman's term, Vincent was delayed in development. The psychiatrist's response that Vincent may well not ever be able to live a completely unaffiliated life throw a dark shadow across the family.In among your many tests, we managed to register Vincent into an exclusive faculty using a special training program starting at age three. This marked the beginning of lasting therapeutic and learning programs for Vincent. To augment the training of language, Vincent has been introduced to sign language and so were that the parents. This had been one among the happiest occasions to hear Vincent telephone out'Mum' and'father' at age of 4 weeks and three years. However his language progressed from one word level at comparative time, the speed of education . The speech pathologist advised he wanted to improve his gross and fine motor skills before language learning could accelerate.At the robust recommendation of their teachers and specialists, we proceeded straight back to US if Vincent was five. This began a brand new chapter of lifetime for both Vincent and the family. Throughout testimonials, we were blessed to come across a pediatrician who specialised in children like Vincent. She'd an exhaustive test of Vincent and recognized him being a kid with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that usually appears in childhood. Vincent was with minimal imagination and common sense, also was stiff to change. He'd no eye could not examine social cues, had Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), demonstrated severe delay in communication, and had gross sensory and motor dysfunction. He exhibited symptoms of a typical unborn child, except he was not hiding in a large part. On the other hand, he had been very sociable. We commenced a series of treatments. He also attended address and occupational therapy for per year prior to the faculty might effectively manage his requirements. He chose herapeutic horseback-riding once a week and swimming two times a week. Riding served calm down him and regulate his mind while swimming improved motor abilities. He did activities for at least five years.During these five decades, we conducted Patricia Wilbarger brushing at two-hour periods to lessen sensory dysfunction, even if we were outside. At an identical moment he had been put below Auditory built-in Therapy (AIT). He paid attention with filtered tune that has been to stimulate brain function in routine audio to Mozart. Later on he had creativity to inspire. He also attended 15 interactive metronome periods to boost attention length. By the conclusion of three weeks' remedy, he could clap 1,500 occasions nonstop as well as always. We also participated a engine pro to improve his design. Even the US law welcomes public colleges to provide aid for kids with special demands. Vincent was incorporated straight into main-stream kindergarten.With restricted language, conventional kindergarten was exceptionally challenging for Vincent. He had been so disruptive and distracted that he had to be brought out of the classroom. Walking at the school hallways or frequent breaks were a daily occurrence. We had to cross our fingers beg and every day he had a superior school afternoon minus incidences. With medication and reliable support, Vincent figured out the routines and commenced choosing up language. Throughout the First Grade language test, '' he performed at 1 percent. That meant in a hundred children , '' he had been the last in language proficiency. At home we functioned with flash cards on cognitive abilities, spatial and basic theories, functions and characteristics, and also a regular follow from the teaching of their school. We also instructed him phonicstime, numbers, size, income, etc.. It had been daunting to teach him 10 cents have greater significance than 5 cents when the 10 pennies coin is significantly smaller compared to five cents. Vincent's language improved to 25 percent by Grade. He progressed it to around 50 percent from the end of 4th Grade, properly beyond some other pro's expectations.Once Vincent picked up languageshe participated in school activity with much significantly less and not as much the help of the distinctive education instructor and the education aide.The target for IEP has shifted to social interaction and communication. Socially we have been through situations compared to speech instruction. During kindergarten, neighbor's children named him idiotic and mad. Since they could not be understood by Vincent, fortunately, the name calling was only hard for us . He was invited into a birthday party by kindergarten to fourth grade. The school address therapist hailed programs for Vincent and returned together with him to coach him. We study books and also wrote Carol Gray's social stories to demonstrate that the broad social policies of behaviour for each occasion and receiving alongside. To get additional details on this please find this. He joined social-skills training in a hospital and also in the summer camp. Nothing came simple to Vincent. Everything had to be educated. He needed - and - needs - published rules and demonstrations to direct him. It had been expected that he could be in a position to implement once he gained broad base foundations. Every one of the clinics and also training dropped off when Vincent lastly produced three friends at Fifth Grade.He was invited to their birthday functions. He encouraged them back over. He made a couple more friends at sixthgrade. He claimed two of them since his friends with whom he spoke during lunchtime and played after faculty. He no longer was a target for bullies or a ranger at school. We're fortunate that Vincent reacted favorably to therapies and interventions. The illness was very delighted about the progress of Vincent. A psychological investigation showed that Vincent continues to function at the average to exceptional selection of brains. He no longer exhibited considerable discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal abilities. The doctor changed Vincent's diagnostic to Asperger Syndrome, the mildest form of this ASD, in the age of nine.After many years of struggles, we began healing Vincent much like a kid. You will find put on television time. He had an allowance to purchase his favorite toys and games. He learned just how to do laundry, use the drier, fold clothing, wash cars and dishes, sweep floors, run the vacuum cleaner, also shift light bulbs, etc.. Recently, he started out preparing his breakfast, cooking minute noodles, skillet and utilizing a knife.He desires these capabilities when he goes to faculty. We expect him to behave appropriately in public and in gatherings. He said was accountable because of his schoolwork so we ceased checking his homework reviewing with him. Maintain his own honor roster and his obligation as a student is to carry out well academically. He's studying voraciously, especially science and nonfiction books. As he isn't athletically likely, he's plumped for fencing as his only form of sport.For many years without changing, his objective is always to become Zoo Veterinarian. He is on course to meeting his fantasy. Soon after processes of rejection, blame, frustration, anger, acceptance and resolution, we have come to terms with his investigation. Even though we search for remedies that best satisfy himwe take, and the majority of the time, that he could be and that which he will eventually become. We've pledged to provide him anything ordinary kids love and we hope to execute no further compared to other children' of the calibre. We know there are more challenges before us and him however we have been convinced he'll direct a lifestyle. Inpatient treatment helps and benefits kids a lot. They've programs that make it possible for children to be dependent together by using their selves. First, the therapist assesses a young child therefore that an appropriate actions or plans will likely probably be given in line with the child's functionality and ultimately, the test made will probably be valid. The overall capability as well as also the wholeness of a kid is aided and improved with a program that is family-approach or baby friendly to make sure the kids are not going to feel nostalgic and only feel comfortable throughout the program.Since occupational treatment revolves across the increase and progress of a young child, therefore each phase is monitored for longer desired consequence. Kiddies who may benefit from occupational therapy are those who have birth injuries or premature, finding out problems or ADHD or developmental/ motor skills handicap, problems with coordination or chronic musculo-skeletal circumstances, any behavioral problems and harms or injuries. Fortunately, occupational treatment does not confine their program to these conditions; nevertheless they extend their own tasks to fine skills, socialization, neural integration, oral or motor skills, harmony , faculty performances and food aversion.Occupational therapy is vital in helping children improve and become independent at all activities they perform. Occupational therapy is not only for adults; nevertheless, it is as well decent for youngsters because they are doing all their daily pursuits and they must have such help make the task simpler to allow them to do independently.This therapy is coping on the little one's activities is it physical or emotional, and even at an simplest action like brushing, talking and eating, they supply this training for much better operation, especially kids who are experiencing trouble doing simple task together by using their very own. Such a therapy is not solely based for house pursuits but at schools because well.After each single task that's assigned to a specific baby, it's then assessed on how they perform on specific endeavor. By way of example, they offer a week to get child to work out to tie his shoe and after one week that the child has to show improvement or also so the therapist may change the approach in order for the child will discover the manner.

[totalcommunication1]

Discovering the Best Speech Therapist in Singapore

Effective communication is a cornerstone of human interaction. For individuals facing challenges in speech, language, or communication, seeking professional help can significantly improve their quality of life. In Singapore, Total Communication is a trusted name renowned for offering exceptional speech therapy services. If you're searching for the best speech therapist in Singapore, look no further than Total Communication.

Why Speech Therapy Matters

Speech therapy addresses a wide range of communication difficulties, including speech sound disorders, language delays, voice disorders, stuttering, and social communication challenges. For children and adults alike, these issues can impact daily life, learning, and relationships. Early intervention by a skilled speech therapist can:

Enhance communication skills.

Boost self-esteem.

Improve academic and professional performance.

Strengthen social interactions.

Singapore's fast-paced environment places high demands on effective communication, making speech therapy a vital resource for individuals of all ages.

Total Communication: A Leader in Speech Therapy

Total Communication stands out as a premier provider of speech therapy in Singapore. With a team of highly qualified and experienced speech therapists, Total Communication offers tailored solutions for diverse speech and language challenges. Their evidence-based approach ensures that every client receives the most effective treatment for their unique needs.

Comprehensive Services

Total Communication provides a wide range of services to cater to various needs, including:

Speech Sound Therapy: For individuals with articulation or phonological disorders, this therapy helps improve clarity and pronunciation.

Language Development Therapy: Designed for children with language delays, this therapy focuses on building vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.

Fluency Therapy: Effective for individuals who stutter, this therapy aims to enhance fluency and confidence in communication.

Voice Therapy: For those experiencing voice disorders, this therapy helps restore vocal quality and strength.

Social Communication Therapy: Focused on improving social interaction skills, this therapy benefits individuals with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Personalized Care

Understanding that no two individuals are alike, Total Communication emphasizes personalized care. Each client undergoes a comprehensive assessment to determine the nature and severity of their challenges. Based on this assessment, a customized therapy plan is developed, ensuring measurable progress.

Expertise You Can Trust

The speech therapists at Total Communication are certified professionals with extensive experience in their field. Their commitment to ongoing education and training ensures they stay updated on the latest research and techniques, delivering top-notch care to their clients.

Choosing the Right Speech Therapist

When selecting the Best Speech Therapist in Singapore, consider the following factors:

Qualifications: Ensure the therapist is certified and licensed by reputable organizations.

Experience: Look for a therapist with experience in addressing the specific challenges you or your loved one face.

Approach: A collaborative and client-centered approach is crucial for effective therapy.

Environment: A supportive and welcoming environment can make therapy sessions more effective and enjoyable.

Testimonials: Positive reviews and success stories can provide insights into the therapist’s expertise.

Total Communication meets all these criteria, making it a trusted choice for individuals seeking the Best Speech Therapy services in Singapore.

Real Stories, Real Impact

At Total Communication, countless clients have experienced life-changing transformations. Parents of children with speech delays often share stories of their child’s improved communication and confidence. Adults who have struggled with speech disorders for years find renewed hope and success in their personal and professional lives. These testimonials underscore the dedication and effectiveness of the team at Total Communication.

Conveniently Located and Accessible

Total Communication’s clinic is strategically located in Singapore, making it easily accessible to residents across the island. With a commitment to flexibility, the clinic offers both in-person and online therapy sessions, ensuring that clients can receive the help they need without disruption to their daily routines.

Take the First Step

If you or a loved one is facing communication challenges, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Visit Total Communication today to learn more about their services and schedule a consultation. With their expertise and dedication, Total Communication is your partner in achieving better communication and a brighter future.

Discover the best speech therapist in Singapore at Total Communication—where communication is transformed, and lives are changed.

[bangbangbangtanx-blog]

82 Truths

rules: once you’ve been tagged you’re supposed to write a post with eighty-two truths and then tag twenty-five people. 

tagged mah gurlz @hoseokjinns​ and @monstax-nm​ yasss WARNING: LONG AF I PERFECTLY UNDERSTAND IF U DON’T HAVE THE TIME FOR THIS SHIT HAHAHAHHA

name: dani blood type: O (not sure if + or - i’ll get back to you on that one) nickname(s): my friends call me roma, romama haha then i ain’t telling you the name my family calls me no thank you r/s: single since the beginning of time zodiac sign: aquarius babyyy pronouns: she/her favorite tv shows: there are a lot omfg  friends, castle, the big bang theory, himym plu a whooooole lot more long or short hair: i used to have mermaid hair that went past my boobs but i got impulsive so i cut it down to my chin haha height: 161 cm hehe do you have a crush on someone: i have a lot of happy crushies what do you like about yourself: my love for aaaaart right or left handed: right list of three favourite colors: black, white and pastel ahhahaha

right now: eating: spaghetti ramen (i blame s.coups) drinking: melon milk (i am sorry, i always loved buying food from my fave korean mart) i’m about to: apparently eat dinner? listening to: the sound of the air conditioner kids: when i am financially stable! get married: yeah no, probs won’t get married in the future either career: i am currently studying to become a speech and language therapist

most recent: drink: melon milk (it is yummy but i like banana milk and strawberry milk better. i just love milk in general okay) phone call: uhm idk, my sister when i asked her what she wanted delivered? song you listened to: not sure but bts’ version of born singer is stuck in my head rn

have you ever: dated someone twice: never been on a date  been cheated on: i always feel cheated on with some restaurants aND THE UNNECESSARY SMALL PORTIONS OF FOOD kissed someone and regretted it: my dog after he just licked his butthole lost someone special: i stopped being friends with someone i considered as my best friend been depressed: yep been drunk and thrown up: nope! hahaha i have really good self control plus i am the mom of the group so i can’t get drunk (one time i got drunk but our friends were hungry so we went to buy burgers for everyone haha) kissed a stranger: ew had glasses or contacts: i got fake glasses (really thankful for my 20/20 vision but glasses are cute :(((() had sex on the first date: yeah no thank you broken someone’s heart: highly unlikely? turned someone down: yeah cried when someone died: i am a cry baby so yeah fallen for a friend: hahahahahhahhahafuckhahahahahyeahahahah

in the last year have you: made a new friend: yass fallen out of love: i guess? laughed until you cried: yep! met someone who changed you: i think? well, i met her and got a crush on her so i realized and came out as bi hahaha found out who your true friends were: yep found out someone was talking about you: yeah, funny thing, the girl who made me realize i was bi has a girlfriend and she got jealous cause we were really good friends (i don’t have a crush on her anymore and i ain’t trying to steal her)  kissed someone on your fb list: nah

which is better: lips or eyes: eyes  hugs or kisses: i love hugs but forehead kisses are too sweet for my life shorter or taller: taller  romantic or spontaneous: both i guess, since i can be both sensitive or loud: both again, but someone who knows when he/she can be loud or sensitive hookup or relationship: relationship troublemaker or hesitant: like with the other one, someone who knows the limits i guess but can be a bit adventurous

first: best friend: this boy from my old neighborhood surgery: none! sport i joined: swimming!! vacation: we always went to the beach when i was younger but the first out of the country was in singapore!

do you believe in: yourself: not all the time miracles: a bit love at first sight: no heaven: i’m not sure

extras: how many people from your fb list do you know irl: i know most of them irl but not really close do you have any pets: my teddy bear!!! (he’s a goldie and chow mix hehe) do you want to change your name: nope! what did you do for your last birthday: i had three cakes (one i bought for my pre birthday celeb with my friends, one from my college friends and one from my rents haha) oh and as usual, celebrated it with my older sister (we have the same birthday but 6 years apart haha) what time did you wake up today: a bit before 9 am? what were you doing last night at midnight: filling up my queue hahahhah something you can’t wait for: getting a job and finally doing things i wanna do  last time you saw your mom: a few minutes ago what is one thing you wish you could change about your life: being less anxious so it won’t stop me from doing things i want to do have you ever talked to a person named tom: yeah! what’s getting on your nerves: people not being considerate 

daaaamn i finished it ahhahahahha sorry it is sooooo long. I tag @pixykth @itsbangtanlife @jin-oppa @thesublimebts @glossysxga @mochiminii @vivacioustae @overthemoonjoon @peachychubs @kellyzipcode @banginjams @btsparkjiminie @onlyu16 @igotbangtann @taehyung-the-baehyung @parkmily95 @extraplusordinaryx @minsugaspice @ctrbl @kooking-mama @mingyu-u @a--tom @dopemanyoongi @bwimint @taeandsugakookies 

feel free to ignore this mofo hahaha

[elita-t-blog]

Word Of The Day “Jocular”

Last night at our Toastmasters Chapter Meeting, our language evaluator gave us the word of the day “Jocular”. Today, I find it in this article on Facebook. Expanding and upgrading my vocabulary every day...

________________________________________________________________

Whatever your political affiliation, I really find the love story between Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo to be truly romantic - the life-long kind of love that's so rare these days.

He would not have been who he ended up being, if not for her unwavering, caring love and support. And he was never the same after her passing.

Here are excerpts from his eulogy for her, which I've merged with a little bit from an article on how LKY was like in the time after. Full sources cited below.

____

"My wife and I have been together since 1947 for more than three quarters of our lives. My grief at her passing cannot be expressed in words. But today (Wednesday), when recounting our lives together, I would like to celebrate her life ... As a young man with an interrupted education at Raffles College, and no steady job or profession, her parents did not look upon me as a desirable son-in-law. But she had faith in me.

We had committed ourselves to each other... We gradually influenced each other's ways and habits as we adjusted to and accommodated each other. ... We knew that we could not stay starry-eyed lovers all our lives; that life was an on-going challenge with new problems to resolve and manage. ... We never argued over the upbringing of our children, nor over financial matters. Our earnings and assets were jointly held. We were each other's confidant.

She had simple pleasures. We would walk around the Istana gardens in the evening, and I would hit golf balls to relax. Later, when we had grandchildren, she would take them to feed the fish and the swans in the Istana ponds. Then we would swim. ...

She had an uncanny ability to read the character of a person. She would sometimes warn me to be careful of certain persons; often, she turned out to be right.

When we were about to join Malaysia, she told me that we would not succeed because the Umno Malay leaders had such different lifestyles and because their politics were communally-based, on race and religion.

I replied that we had to make it work as there was no better choice. But she was right. We were asked to leave Malaysia before two years had passed.

...

After her first stroke, she lost her left field of vision. This slowed down her reading. She learned to cope, reading with the help of a ruler. She swam every evening and kept fit. She continued to travel with me, and stayed active despite the stroke. She stayed in touch with her family and old friends.

She listened to her collection of CDs, mostly classical, plus some golden oldies. She jocularly divided her life into "before stroke" and "after stroke", like BC and AD.

...

Her second stroke on 12 May 2008 was more disabling. I encouraged and cheered her on, helped by a magnificent team of doctors, surgeons, therapists and nurses.

...

Her nurses, WSOs and maids all grew fond of her because she was warm and considerate. When she coughed, she would take her small pillow to cover her mouth because she worried for them and did not want to infect them. Her mind remained clear but her voice became weaker. When I kissed her on her cheek, she told me not to come too close to her in case I caught her pneumonia. When given some peaches in hospital, she asked the maid to take one home for my lunch. I was at the centre of her life.

On 24 June 2008, a CT scan revealed another bleed again on the right side of her brain. There was not much more that medicine or surgery could do except to keep her comfortable. I brought her home on 3 July 2008. The doctors expected her to last a few weeks. She lived till 2nd October, 2 years and 3 months.

She remained lucid. That gave time for me and my children to come to terms with the inevitable. In the final few months, her faculties declined. She could not speak but her cognition remained. She looked forward to have me talk to her every evening.

Her last wish she shared with me was to enjoin our children to have our ashes placed together, as we were in life.

The last two years of her life were the most difficult. She was bedridden after small successive strokes; she could not speak but she was still cognisant. Every night she would wait for me to sit by her to tell her of my day's activities and to read her favourite poems. Then she would sleep.

I have precious memories of our 63 years together. Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life. She devoted herself to me and our children.

She was always there when I needed her. She has lived a life full of warmth and meaning.

I should find solace in her 89 years of a life well lived. But at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief."

____

After her passing... LKY missed his wife deeply.

"For a week after his wife died, Mr Lee Kuan Yew fussed over her photographs on the wall of the living room at their Oxley Road home.

He placed pictures of their favourite moments together at the foot of his bed and by the treadmill which he used every day. A few days later, he would move them around again.

He repositioned his grey plastic chair at the dining table to have the best view of her pictures on the wall. As he ate his dinner, he listened to classical music, which she enjoyed - her favourite composer was Johann Sebastian Bach.

But nothing seemed to comfort Mr Lee in the days after Madam Kwa Geok Choo, his wife of 63 years, his best friend and confidante, died on Oct 2, 2010.

He slept erratically. A memory would bring tears to his eyes. When her ashes arrived at Oxley Road in a grey marble urn three days after the funeral, he wept.

It took three months before he began returning to normal.

"Slowly, he accepted that Mrs Lee was gone," said his youngest and only surviving brother, Dr Lee Suan Yew.

It was nine months before his health stabilised, said his only daughter Wei Ling.

...

He would usually get home at around 9pm and he would spend a few moments looking at his wife's urn in the living room.

He kept to his new routine in the disciplined way with which he had led his life. But he told his friend Dr Schmidt, who visited in May 2012, that his wife's death had left a deep hole in his life and nothing could fill it.

After Mrs Lee died, elder son Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister, and his wife Ho Ching began visiting Mr Lee on Saturday afternoons whenever their schedules allowed, to keep him company. ...

Throughout, Mr Lee kept up his Mandarin lessons, and continued his exercises and outings. Titanium, as his daughter once described him in an article, is light but strong. It can bend a little, but it will not snap unless it is under overwhelming force, she wrote.

On Feb 5, he was admitted to the Singapore General Hospital, this time with severe pneumonia.

News in mid-March that he was critically ill saw an outpouring of good wishes across the island he loved and called home."

___________

A story shared by a Singaporean who bumped into them at a museum:

"He requested to push his wife. And even in his weakness and old age at that point in time, I saw him struggle to push his wife in her wheelchair. They stopped at almost every painting (I followed them behind, keeping my distance and pretending to look at those paintings too). And at every painting, he would bend down and asked her gently for her thoughts. They would share a quiet moment of discussion, and sometimes laughed together. It felt like no one else was around, and they felt very much still in love."

Sources: LKY's eulogy speech, Cassandra Chew (The Straits Times), and the 'Thank You Mr Lee Kuan Yew' FB page.

[seovoiceskills]

Difference between IELTS and OET

Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) are used to test the English language of healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.

They are chosen by regulatory bodies to ensure doctors, nurses and other professions have sufficient language skills to communicate at a high level with patients and colleagues, and so ensure safe and effective care.

Similarities

 There are a number of similarities between the two tests.

1. Each one consists of four sub-tests, one for each skill: reading, listening, writing and speaking.

2. A test takes place on one day.

3. There is no pass/fail, but a graded score – different institutions need test takers to achieve different scores.

Differences

1. Content

IELTS tests academic English – at least the version of IELTS used by Higher Education institutions and healthcare regulatory bodies around the world. This includes the ability to write essays, follow lectures, understand academic articles and discuss a wide range of topics, from the environment to education to social trends to cultural values.

OET tests healthcare English, including the ability to communicate effectively in medical scenarios, write a referral letter, understand a patient consultation, or follow a text taken from a medical journal.

2. Versions 

 IELTS offers 2 versions of the test – Academic as described, and General Training, used by organizations to test the more general language considered more appropriate for immigration or vocational purposes. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both. The Academic Reading and Writing is more geared to Higher Education than the General Training.

OET offers 12 versions of the test for different healthcare professions; nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, vets, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiographers. The Reading and Listening sections are the same for both. The Speaking and Writing sections are tailored to the specific scenarios in which each profession uses English.

3. Preparation requirements

Preparing for IELTS involves learning huge amounts of vocabulary on a wide range of academic subjects so test takers are prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures and discussions, talk about abstract questions and give opinions in detail. Test takers need to learn how to write reports on a variety of data and a range of essay types.

Preparing for OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare-related and profession-specific language, so test takers are able to follow, engage with and participate in a variety of clinical scenarios, as well as understand medical texts and talks.

Scoring

IELTS is marked out of 9, with a separate score for each paper. Half marks are awarded as part of this. OET is graded from A (best) to E.

Healthcare regulatory bodies which use both exams to test English for healthcare professions tend to specify an advanced C1 level of language, i.e. around 7 in IELTS and a B in OET.

4.     Recognition

OET is recognized by healthcare regulatory bodies and Higher Education healthcare educators in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, and Namibia. There are over 80 test venues in 35 countries.

[specialistlanguagecourses-blog]

What is the difference between IELTS and OET?

https://www.specialistlanguagecourses.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/examwriting.jpg

Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) are used to test the English language of healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.

They are chosen by regulatory bodies to ensure doctors, nurses and other professions have sufficient language skills to communicate at a high level with patients and colleagues, and so ensure safe and effective care.

     Similarities

There are a number of similarities between the two tests. 

Each one consists of four sub-tests, one for each skill: reading, listening, writing and speaking.

A test takes place on one day.

There is no pass/fail, but a graded score – different institutions need test takers to achieve different scores.

In practice, the required scores in the two tests for professions such as nurses are for similar levels of language skill when measured on the Common European Framework of Reference.

Both tests were developed in the late 1980s and are part-owned by Cambridge Assessment English. IELTS ownership is shared with IDP and the British Council. OET ownership is shared with Boxhill Assessment.

However, that’s where the similarities end. As you can see from the below, they are quite different tests in many ways. 

Differences

Content

IELTS tests academic English – at least the version of IELTS used by Higher Education institutions and healthcare regulatory bodies around the world. This includes the ability to write essays, follow lectures, understand academic articles and discuss a wide range of topics, from the environment to education to social trends to cultural values.

OET tests healthcare English, including the ability to communicate effectively in medical scenarios, write a referral letter, understand a patient consultation, or follow a text taken from a medical journal.

Versions

IELTS offers 2 versions of the test – Academic as described, and General Training, used by organisations to test the more general language considered more appropriate for immigration or vocational purposes. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both. The Academic Reading and Writing is more geared to Higher Education than the General Training.

OET offers 12 versions of the test for different healthcare professions; nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, vets, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiographers. The Reading and Listening sections are the same for both. The Speaking and Writing sections are tailored to the specific scenarios in which each profession uses English.

Preparation requirements

Preparing for IELTS involves learning huge amounts of vocabulary on a wide range of academic subjects so test takers are prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures and discussions, talk about abstract questions and give opinions in detail. Test takers need to learn how to write reports on a variety of data and a range of essay types. Written texts need to be at an advanced level and so include complex structures and grammar. Learning a set of key exam techniques is also crucial.

Preparing for OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare-related and profession-specific language, so test takers are able to follow, engage with and participate in a variety of clinical scenarios, as well as understand medical texts and talks. They need to be able to write a healthcare-related letter, such as a referral letter, at an advanced level. They need to acquire a range of exam techniques so they can work quickly and effectively in the test.

As a result, preparation courses for the two tests follow very different pathways and use very different materials.

Scoring

IELTS is marked out of 9, with a separate score for each paper. Half marks are awarded as part of this. OET is graded from A (best) to E.

Healthcare regulatory bodies which use both exams to test English for healthcare professions tend to specify an advanced C1 level of language, i.e. around 7 in IELTS and a B in OET.

The score equivalencies between the two tests are as follows:

IELTS OET 8 – 9 A 7 – 7.5 B 5.5 – 6.5 C 4.5 – 5.5 D 4 E

  Recognition

IELTS is recognised by universities, regulatory bodies, immigration authorities and companies in many countries around the world. This includes universities in non-English speaking countries where a course may be delivered in English. There are over 1,100 test centres in over 140 countries.

OET is recognised by healthcare regulatory bodies and Higher Education healthcare educators in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, and Namibia. There are over 80 test venues in 35 countries.

Numbers of test takers

Over 3 million people took IELTS in the past year, compared to around 25,000 for the OET. This reflects the size and reach of the global Higher Education market on the one hand and the specialist nature of the OET on the other. Until now, the main market for OET has been those professionals wishing to work in Australia.

Preparation infrastructure

IELTS has a global infrastructure developed around preparing learners to take the test, including universities, private language schools, published materials, online content, and thousands of teachers and writers.

OET has a small, specialist preparation infrastructure, with a small number of providers and a minimal materials base.

Want to know more about either test? 

“How do I know what my level is?”

“How long does it take to achieve a 7 in IELTS or a B in OET?”

“Which one is easier for me?”

“What are the best study materials out there?”

“Can you help me prepare for either test?”

Then call us!

Specialist Language Courses (SLC) are experts in both IELTS and OET preparation. We work with 100s of candidates every year and specialise in working with healthcare professionals. Clients include many NHS Trusts and private healthcare groups in the UK.

Our Academic Director is an experienced IELTS trainer, examiner and teacher trainer. Our Head of Medical English is an experienced OET materials writer, trainer and teacher trainer.

For more information

 What is IELTS?

What is the OET?

www.ielts.org

www.occupationalenglishtest.org

    Specialist Language Courses

[tiara99x7209437-blog]

œ ... Dad's Day Jokes That Will definitely Take A Smile To Daddy's Face!

When her father and also CEO from 2nd Odds Residence Mohd Salleh Marican told her late in 2013 that he intended to compete president, Nadia Marican poked fun at the tip of ending up being a participant from Singapore's First Household. My papa heard about him from my gramps - which I had an amazing relationship along with. His mom constantly condemns him about the fatality from his father although certainly not directly, as Sam promises certainly not to take that riches reveal intended to him just as long as his papa's spirit exposes. The senior high school, the young boy did not miss a practice or even video game, yet he is still a seat gamer, and his papa have been actually promoting him. Maybe, that can possess been actually one of the most priceless instant between you and your little one in your life as father. This does not matter what time from time that is actually, or even which time it is actually for that issue, for when you are actually managing a little late for some appointment throughout community, Old Father brown Opportunity urges that you look at an elaborate difficulty training course. A male youngster needs his papa in his life, and also the woman simply injures her child( s) when she tries to avoid them from possessing a father-son relationship. The never-ending sacrifices that a father makes to ensure his loved ones enjoys makes you ponder what we would certainly forgo him. I recognize this appears extreme however my father will never ever be my daddy, he passed away when the change began. While creating your bride's papa speech, that is necessary to maintain it a quick as feasible without jeopardizing the information of your pep talk. Even more latest investigation points out the method which females driven their children towards the daddy as curious and also entailed with them or even as engrossed and also disengaged (Seery & Crowley, 2000). I understand you are nervous concerning your daddy of groom pep talk which you really would like to perform your absolute best for your kid.

After discussing my anger along with therapists, aiming to comprehend my father's very own past times and then slamming my fictional father brown to smithereens, I lastly experienced a feeling from relief as well as an intense volume of love and forgiveness for him. As an individual that matured without a father, and afterwards made the decision to take on the delight and also accountability from being actually an energetic, interacted father in the lifestyles of his little girls, the Head of state knows that our team possess the electrical power to breach old patterns. Pray that The lord transforms that in me.' With time I began to see that the Father was addressing that request for adjustment. Statuettes and also sculptures connected to golf may be http://getform-portal1000.info/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%93%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2 a terrific present for your dad if he really loves the game from golf. Nielsen has been actually showing a Children and also fathers" program there certainly considering that 1991 and authored its own existing textbook, Accepting Your Father: How to Create the Relationship You Consistently Wished With Your Father (McGraw Hillside, 2004). Nadia, which is currently pursuing a POSTGRADUATE DEGREE in International Psychological science at the Chicago Institution of Expert Psychological science, pointed out that her dad has a great chance of succeeding the political election. Beloved Father, thank You for giving me an earthly father which showed Your affection and also compassion.