Developing Cultural Competence From a Funds of Knowledge Framework: Ethnographic Interviewing Revisited

Purpose This article discusses the clinical utility of ethnographic interviewing as an approach for capitalizing on the life knowledge and skills of a broad range of individuals, with varied cultural backgrounds, during clinical practice. An overview of ethnographic interviewing procedures, a description of the Funds of Knowledge framework, and its application are presented. Conclusions As the ethnic and racial composition of the general population in the United States shifts, speech-language pathologists and audiologists can expect this to be reflected in the ethno-racial profiles of the clients and families they serve. To continue to deliver the highest quality of speech, language, and/or hearing services, it will become increasingly important for clinicians to engage in ongoing practices that develop and expand their competence and understanding of the cultural and linguistic needs and values of each client and family. This article proposes that ethnographic interviewing, grounded in a Funds of Knowledge framework, offers a means for clinicians to discover the knowledge and resources that clients and families have acquired through their everyday life experiences. Notably, it is suggested that, when viewed as valuable assets, such experiences can significantly contribute to the delivery of culturally competent clinical services and potentially help decrease biases in clinical decision making.