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Instrumental articulatory techniques investigating lingual variability in typically developing children: A scoping
Amy Smith1, Anja Kuschmann1, Eleanor Lawson1
1School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics
|April 24, 2025
Summary
Instrumental speech analysis reveals greater tongue movement variability in children than adults. Further research on speech motor control development in adolescents is needed for better clinical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Developmental Linguistics
- Biomechanics of Speech
Background:
- Phonological acquisition is well-researched, but speech motor control development in children is less understood.
- Existing kinematic studies primarily focus on children under 10, neglecting adolescent speech motor control and the transition to adult-like articulation.
- Instrumental articulatory techniques offer objective measures of speech production, crucial for understanding developmental trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of instrumental articulatory techniques for investigating lingual variability in typically developing children.
- To identify research gaps concerning speech motor control development, particularly in adolescents.
- To inform future research directions and clinical applications in pediatric speech science.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of studies employing instrumental techniques: Ultrasound Tongue Imaging (UTI), Electropalatography (EPG), and Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA).
- Analysis of spatial and temporal articulatory features and associated metrics used in the reviewed literature.
- Inclusion criteria focused on typically developing children and adolescents.
Main Results:
- Studies consistently show greater articulatory variability in children compared to adults.
- Significant inconsistencies in methodologies, participant samples, and metrics across studies limit effective synthesis of findings.
- Limited research exists on articulatory development during adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Understanding typical articulatory variability across childhood and adolescence is essential for identifying speech disorders.
- Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and techniques adaptable to clinical settings.
- Improved understanding of speech motor control development can enhance clinical interventions for speech sound disorders.
