To compare speech outcome from different languages the speech material has to be comparable. All speech sounds may be influenced by the cleft condition but only a restricted number may be similar across the languages involved and thereby comparable (Hutters & Henningsson, 2004). In studies of speech outcome following surgical treatment data based on a restricted number of different sounds are sufficient as opposed to data intended for clinical purpose, which need to be more detailed (Hutters & Henningsson, 2004). In addition, the restricted word lists can be used in assessment of children with other language background.
Comparison of speech outcome in different languages should be based on narrow phonetic transcription. Assessment based decision on correct/not correct is sometimes used within language.
Reference
* Hutters B, Henningsson G. Speech outcome following treatment in crosslinguistic cleft palate studies: methodological implications. Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, 2004;41:544–549.