PhD Graduate Creates IsiZulu Paediatric Rate of Reading Test

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A passion to improve the reading skills of children with learning difficulties and visual impairments inspired an academic in the Discipline of Optometry, Dr Urvashni Nirghin, to develop and validate an isiZulu Paediatric Rate of Reading (PRR) Test.

Nirghin was rewarded with a doctoral degree for her work!

The test was specifically designed for normally sighted and low vision primary school children aged between six and 12 whose home language is isiZulu.

Reading is related to an individual’s experience, ability, and neurological functioning and is affected by multiple factors including intelligence level; educational exposure; primary emotional, mental and physical state; speech, and vision. Assessing the rate of reading has often been used as a measure of intellectual development. Internationally, reading rate tests with associated standard scores are available yet this is limited nationally for educational and optometric use.

Said Nirghin: ‘Most of these tests are designed for English-speaking children with none available in the isiZulu language. Furthermore, the identification of factors that may affect reading rates are based on reading rate norms specifically designed for the English-speaking population. This is of great concern as these factors may then be generalised to children whose home language is isiZulu.’

Nirghin’s development of the PRR Test consisted of word selection from a Grade 1 isiZulu Level 1 reader while item development for the tool was based on literature and design procedure of the English PRR Chart.

The reliability of the test was performed on isiZulu-speaking learners aged between six and 12 years old in a home language and first additional language school. Nirghin’s test was proven to be valid and reliable in assessing reading rates for both normally sighted and low vision isiZulu-speaking children.

Nirghin, who specialises in Paediatric Optometry and diagnosis and management of ocular diseases, has two daughters, one of whom is currently studying Medicine.

‘Studying towards a PhD was a daunting journey but all gratitude to God and His Divine blessings for all I have and for allowing me to improve myself as a person, mother, daughter, optometrist and academic. I am always grateful for continuous family support and love being in academia,’ said Nirghin.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan