Preschool Phonology

Preschool Phonological Processes

I. Overview of Phonological Development

• Shift from focusing on individual speech sounds to phonological system features in preschool.

• Errors assessed in the context of the phonological system rather than isolated sounds.

• Emphasis on 'suppression' of phonological processes rather than 'emergence.'

II. Types of Phonological Processes

A. Syllable Processes

• Appearance: Before age 2.

• Suppression: Generally disappears during the third year.

B. Substitution Processes

• Variation in suppression age by phoneme type.

• Common fronting processes:

  • [ʃ] -> [s]

  • [k] -> [t]

  • [d] -> [g]

• Fronting suppression age: Typically by 3;6, but may persist in some older children.

• Gliding process: Often lasts until age 7.

C. Assimilation Processes

• Significant in toddler phonology; generally disappears by age 3.

• Persistence beyond age 3 may indicate disordered phonological system.