An examination of vowel errors in phonologically disordered children

Abstract

The speech of 15 phonologically disordered children between the ages of 3; 8 and 6; 4 was analysed for the presence of vowel errors. Speech samples consisted of single word responses to objects, pictures, actions, body parts, colours and locative positions. Words were selected to provide multiple opportunities for the production of each English vowel and diphthong in various word shapes and phonetic contexts. The percentage of vowels correctly produced was calculated for each subject. Fourteen subjects produced errors on rhotic vowels and diphthongs. A wide range of scores was found on non-rhotic vowels. One subject showed consistent errors on several vowels. Of the remaining subjects, some showed little difficulty with vowel production while others showed occasional errors on several vowels or a more consistent error on an infrequent or later developing vowel/diphthong. The specified types of errors observed are further described.

Key Words:

• Vowels
• child speech
• phonological disorder