Cultural analysis of communication behaviors among juveniles in a correctional facility

This study addressed communication behaviors of female juvenile delinquents in a correctional facility. Qualitative methodology was used to study 78 p articipants ranging in age from 13.1 to 18.9 (years; months), over a five-m onth period. Data collection consisted of observations, participant observa tion, interviews, and a review of documents. Additionally, participants wer e tested on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-3. Listening a nd following rules, utterance types, topics of conversion, politeness, and conversational management emerged as themes. Findings indicated that as man y as 22% of participants were potential candidates for language services. I mplications for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) providing communication services will be provided. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc.