Applications of learnability theory to clinical phonology

Abstract

This paper provides a tutorial on the selection of complex target sounds for treatment following from known principles of language learnability. The focus is on syllable structure in recommending onset consonant clusters for treatment. The step-by-step procedure of cluster selection is illustrated for one child, Jarrod, who presented with a phonological disorder. Target selection procedures are guided by universal principles that govern the phonotactics of onset clusters and experimental evidence that supports the efficacy of phonologically complex targets. The prediction is that treatment of onset clusters will facilitate Jarrod's learning of both complex and simple properties of the sound system.

Keywords:

• Phonological complexity
• consonant clusters
• phonological disorder
• learnability theory