Phonology

Phonology

1. Deletion of Final consonants- cat=ca

   • Cluster reduction- trinket=tinet
   • Addition or substitution of vowel sounds- dog=doggie

2. Children prefer words which are characterized by simple alternations of consonants and vowels. This preference has been noticed in children learning different languages. They often restructure adult pronunciations to fit in with this preferred cvcv pattern.

3. Consonants

   • Plosives
     • b, p, d and t allow airflow to be momentarily stopped, resulting in a popping sound.
   • Fricative
     • v, f and z are made as only part of the airflow is blocked resulting in air friction which produces a hissing sound.
   • Labial
     • Airflow is obstructed at the lips
   • Alveolar
     • Airflow is obstructed on the area just behind the teeth
   • Voiced and Unvoiced
     • Children prefer voiced consonants as they are easier to pronounce

4. Glossary

   • Deletion
     • Dropping a final consonant, unstressed syllables, reduction of consonant cluster
   • Substitution
     • Substituting easier phonemes for more difficult ones.
   • Addition
     • Adding an extra vowel sound
   • Devoicing
     • Process of pronouncing sounds without the voice
   • Voicing
     • At beginning of words children pronounce an unvoiced consonant
   • Assimilation
     • one consonant becomes similar to another
   • Reduplication
     • Different phonemes are produced the same way