Speech Sound Errors: Labialisation
What is a Phonological Process
A phonological process is a pattern young children use to simplify speech as they learn to talk. Since some sounds are harder to say than others, children might change them to make speaking easier. These processes are normal and usually disappear as the child grows older and gains more control over their speech.
What is Labialisation
Labialisation is when a child replaces a sound made with the tongue (like /t/ or /s/) with a sound made with the lips (like /p/ or /f/). For example, your child might say "fum" instead of "thumb" or "pip" instead of "tip." Young children often simplify words to make them easier to say.
Age of Elimination
This is a normal part of speech development for some young children, but if it continues past a certain age (usually around 6 years), it may need support to correct.
*Please note these ages of elimination are intended as a general guide only. Other sources can change age ranges by six months to a year. Phonological processes are a murky area of speech pathology.
Fixing Labialisation
Model the correct sound clearly. Say the word the right way without asking your child to repeat it every time.
Use picture cards or toys that show words like “sun,” “sock,” or “thumb.” Say the words and point to your mouth to show how the sound is made.
Play listening games like “Can you find the one that starts with ‘s’?” and give them choices like “sock” and “fock.”
Practice minimal pairs – pairs of words where only one sound changes, like “tip” and “pip.” Help your child hear and say the difference.
Helping your child with labialisation can be fun and engaging. With patience and practice, they'll start using the correct sounds in no time!
Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.
References:
Mcleod, S (2009). Speech sound acquisition. In Bernthal, J. E., Bankson, N. W., & Flipsen, P. Articulation and phonological disorders: speech sound disorders in children. Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. Boston, MA.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (2024). Phonological Processes Chart Phonological Processes Description Example Whole Word/Syllable Processes Consonant Cluster Simplification (reduction). https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/sl-phon-process-chart.pdf
Vollmer, E. (2023). Phonological Processes. Therapy Works. https://therapyworks.com/blog/language-development/phonological-processes/phonological-processes/
Suggested Resources
FREEBIE Stone Age Struggle: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds with dangerous dinos in a fun interactive game.
FREEBIE Shopping Trip: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds by competing to see who can fill their shopping basket first.
FREEBIE Monster Madness: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds with mad monsters in a fun interactive game.