The performance of neurologically normal bilingual speakers of Spanish and English on the short version of the Bilingual Aphasia Test

Abstract

Background: The assessment of aphasia in bilingual speakers is complicated by the need to measure language impairment in each language, as well as defining how one language recovers in relation to another. The Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT) is a criterion‐referenced measure designed to provide the requisite data needed to measure the impairment of bilingual speakers with aphasia while minimising the effects of pre‐morbid differences in language skill.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of neurologically normal adult bilingual speakers on the short version of the BAT (English and American Spanish).

Methods & Procedures: A total of 22 adults ranging in age from 51 to 77 completed the BAT as well as a series of measures of language history, proficiency, and use.

Outcomes & Results: Results indicated that the group scored higher in English than in Spanish on the BAT. BAT performance was consistent with higher proficiency in English than Spanish, as indicated by responses to language background measures. An item analysis identified 54 items with a correct response rate less than 70%; the majority of these items were from the Spanish version and the translation subtest of the BAT.

Conclusions: Performance on the Spanish BAT was influenced by academic experience in Spanish, and the influence of English on Spanish. Interpretation of BAT results for bilingual speakers with aphasia requires accounting for pre‐morbid differences in language skill.