Speech Rhythm in Kannada Speaking Children Aged 3-4 Years

Abstract

Speech rhythm, a prosodic feature, refers to an event repeated regularly over a period of time. It differs based on language and the types of syllables used in a language. Rhythm of several languages, as evident in adults' spoken speech, has been classified as syllable-, mora-, and stress-timed. The current study is an attempt to explore the type and development of rhythm in typically developing Kannada speaking children in the age range of 3-4 years using fundamental frequency (F0) and Intensity (I0) measurements. With respect to F0 measure, vocalic and intervocalic pair-wise variability indices (PVIs) showed syllable-timed rhythm. As regards to I0 measure, PVIs indicated the use of mora-timed rhythm. Hence, the rhythm type varied with the parameter in question (F0 or I0). The results can be used to assess and rehabilitate children with communication disorders as they may have problems associated with prosodic aspects of speech.