Speech Sound Errors: Reduplication
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 Reduplication
Reduplication is when a young child repeats part or all of a word. This is common in toddlers who are just starting to talk. For example, a child might say:
"baba" instead of "bottle"
"wawa" instead of "water"
"dodo" instead of "dog"
This usually happens with longer or harder words, and it's a normal part of early speech development.
Age of Elimination
Reduplication usually disappears on its own by around 2 and a half to 3 years of age. If it continues after that, a child might need some help to learn how to say the full word correctly.
*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 Reduplication
Repeat the word clearly: If your child says "wawa," you can say, “Yes, you want water,” and stretch out the correct word slowly.
Use fun sounds: Break the word into fun chunks. For “bottle,” try saying “bot…tle!” with excitement and hand movements.
Read books together: Choose books with simple words and repeat target words while pointing to pictures.
Model, don’t correct: Instead of saying, “No, not baba,” just say the word the right way in a calm and positive tone: “Here’s your bottle!”
Helping your child with reduplication 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
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.