Word juncture behaviours in young children's spontaneous speech production

The present study explores word boundary behaviours in the spontaneous speech of a group of 6 preschool children. Speech collected in play settings is examined for the presence of normal and atypical connected speech behaviours, and to identify specific instances of open and close word juncture behaviours. The findings suggest that developmental and adult-like features co-exist in the speech of typically-developing children and that developmental changes occur in connected speech behaviours between the ages of 2-3 years. In particular, a shift from equal numbers of close and open junctures, to a preference for close junctures is noted. Individual differences are also apparent between speakers, and these are discussed.