Abstract
Fluency is "a barometer for the entire speech system... (with its limits... apparently set by adequacy of performance of the other dimensions of speech"
(Perkins, 1977). It is a multidimensional behaviour, the dimensions of which encompass continuity, rate, effort and rhythm. An understanding of the
multidimensionality of normal fluency will help the clinician in diagnosis and rehabilitation of cases with fluency disorders. Several attempts (Branscom, et
al 1955; Haynes and Hood, 1977; Kowal, et al 1975) have been made in the past to describe the development of speech fluency in normal children. However,
the differentiation of Normally nonfluent children and stuttering children remains a matter of controversy. In this regard, much is needed in the area of speech
fluency in normal children. In this context, the present study was planned to explore the speech fluency of Kannada speaking normal children.