If not, there is still a possibility that the child is stuttering while speaking in English. This factor should be checked very carefully and appropriate action taken if the child is stuttering. If a child were demonstrating some stuttering in his or her native language, it would be advisable to remedy the stuttering problem before enrolling the child in a program for English as a second language. Communication stress is an important factor in the development and maintenance of stuttering, and the demands for learning and speaking English would create even more communication stress on the child and make the problem worse. Communicative stress can often be found within the culture itself if oral ability is a source of peer recognition and status.
Various cultures view oral ability as an important factor for status within the community.
This cultural attitude can have a profound effect on the treatment of stuttering. The clinician should be aware of this factor and determine its influence on the particular child she is working with. Various cultures have different attitudes towards stuttering, and it is important that the clinician determine the attitude of the family. In some cultures it is viewed as a curse or has some religious overtones. The family's attitude will have a direct influence on the treatment of the problem.