Phonological Processes in Typically Developing Tamil Speaking Children

Abstract

Aim of the study was to profile the type and frequency of occurrence of phonological processes in Tamil speaking children. 450 typically developing 2 to 5 year old Tamil speaking children participated in this study. Speech samples of these children were elicited using spontaneous picture naming task. Speech samples were then phonetically transcribed by a qualified speech language pathologist. Transcribed samples were analysed to determine the type and frequency of occurrence of phonological processes. Results of the study revealed occurrence of 15 different types of phonological processes. Frequency of occurrence of all the phonological processes declined as age increased. Most of the processes were suppressed by age of 3 years except cluster reduction and stopping of liquids which persisted beyond 3 years.