Phonology 101
SYSTEMIC SIMPLIFICATIONS
What is systemic simplification? Unlike structural simplifications, systemic simplifications do not alter the syllable structure of a word. Rather, they systematically alter a particular type of speech sound and replace it with another speech sound. Systemic simplifying processes may be divided into two types: substitution…
Substitution
Types of substitution There are many different types of substitution that can be made in typically developing speech. We will consider seven of these in this subsection: fronting backing stopping denasalization frication gliding labialization…
Velar Fronting
Velar fronting explained Consider the word cup /kʌp/. This word begins with the velar plosive /k/ followed by the vowel /ʌ/ and finally by the bilabial plosive /p/. Rather than producing the velar consonant /k/ – at the back of the mouth – the child may produce a sound…
Post-alveolar Fronting
Post-alveolar fronting explained We have indicated elsewhere (see Fronting) that, as well as velar consonants being fronted, post-alveolar consonants can also be affected. Fronting of /ʃ ʒ ʧ ʤ/ is known as post-alveolar fronting (or sometimes palato-alveolar fronting). Like velar fronting, it can occur in syllable-initial or syllable-final position. Consider…