Speech Sound Errors: Vowelisation/Vocalisation
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 Vowelisation
Vowelisation (also called vocalisation) is when a child replaces a "r" or "l" sound with a vowel sound. For example, they might say “papo” instead of “paper” or “appo” instead of “apple”. It usually happens at the end of words or syllables. These sounds can be tricky for young children to say. Replacing them with easier vowel sounds helps the child speak more quickly, even if the words come out a bit unclear.
Age of Elimination
This phonological process still occurs a bit later in development, but most kids grow out of it by around 5-6 years old.
*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 Vowelisation
Model the correct word – Gently repeat the word back the right way.
Child: “papo”
Parent: “Oh, you mean paper!”Emphasise the target sound – Stretch or stress the “r” or “l” sound:
“PapeRRRR” or “AppLLLLle”Play listening games – Say two words like “apple” and “appo” and ask, “Which one sounds right?”
Practice with word lists – Use flashcards or pictures with words that end in “r” or “l”, like “car,” “star,” “ball,” and “bell.”
Mirror work – Practice in front of a mirror so your child can watch how your mouth makes the “r” and “l” sounds.
Helping your child with vowelisation/vocalisation 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.