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Consonant cluster development in two-year-olds: general trends and individual difference
S McLeod1, J van Doorn, V A Reed
1School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Sydney, Australia. smcleod@csu.edu.au
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|November 16, 2001
Summary
This study explored how 2-year-olds learn consonant clusters, finding that while many produced a variety of clusters, few did so correctly. Phonological development showed increases in cluster range and accuracy over six months.
Area of Science:
- Child language acquisition
- Phonological development
- Speech sound disorders
Background:
- Understanding phonological development requires examining universal patterns and individual variability.
- Consonant clusters are complex phonological structures crucial for speech development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between general trends and individual differences in consonant cluster production in 2-year-olds.
- To analyze the development of consonant cluster accuracy and repertoire over a six-month period.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 16 typically developing 2-year-olds over six months.
- Elicitation of spontaneous speech samples (96 total).
- Independent and relational phonological analyses of consonant cluster production.
Main Results:
- 2-year-olds produced a range of consonant clusters, but correct production was limited.
- Only 50% of participants improved consonant cluster accuracy over time.
- Phonological maturity increased through expanded cluster repertoire and closer approximations to adult targets.
Conclusions:
- Consonant cluster acquisition in early childhood exhibits both general developmental trends and significant individual variation.
- While accuracy may lag, the diversity and approximation of consonant clusters indicate developing phonological skills in 2-year-olds.