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An experimental test of phonemic cyclicity
1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA. gierut@indiana.edu
Journal of Child Language
|February 1, 1996
Summary
This study on phonological acquisition found that children with speech sound disorders acquire new sounds cyclically. Teaching sounds out-of-phase with this natural cycle accelerated phonemic expansion.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Developmental linguistics
- Child phonology
Background:
- The laryngeal-supralaryngeal cyclicity principle proposes phonemic inventory expansion occurs in alternating phases.
- This principle suggests distinct developmental pathways for laryngeal and supralaryngeal sound features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate the laryngeal-supralaryngeal cyclicity principle in children with phonological delays.
- To investigate the impact of manipulating the cycle's domain and phase relationship on phonemic acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal monitoring of emergent phonemic distinctions in seven children (aged 3;4 to 5;8) with phonological delays.
- Experimental manipulation of the cycle's domain and phase relationship as independent variables.
Main Results:
- Phonemic acquisition patterns were consistent with cyclicity across all participants.
- No significant differences in phonemic acquisition were observed between laryngeal and supralaryngeal instruction groups.
- Children receiving instruction out-of-phase with the natural cycle demonstrated enhanced phonemic expansion compared to in-phase groups.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the principle of laryngeal-supralaryngeal cyclicity in phonological acquisition.
- The phase relationship of instruction relative to the cycle significantly impacts the rate of phonemic expansion.
- Intervention strategies may be optimized by aligning with or manipulating the natural phonological acquisition cycle.