What is phonology?

Phonology is the study of rules of a sound system of a language that includes speech sounds, speech production, and combinations of sounds that are put into a meaningful utterance.

What is a phonology disorder?

A phonology disorder occurs when there is a pattern of sound change that affects a class of sounds, word structure, or syllables and may significantly impair a student’s intelligibility.

How is a phonology disorder different from an articulation disorder?

A student who has a phonology disorder or who

 is phonologically impaired, exhibits speech pattern errors.  For example a student may omit word endings (“cu” for “cup” or “la” for “late” or cluster reduction (“poon” for “spoon” for “tar” for “star)” among other pattern errors. An articulation disorder is a specific erred sound or sounds.  Often, students who are phonologically impaired are less intelligible.

How can I help a student who has a phonology disorder?

Be a good speech model for the student.  Communicate with the SLP so that you are familiar with the sound patterns that are being targeted; emphasize the sound patterns when in a small group or when one-on-one with the student.  Praise the student when he or she has done well.  Support the student if he or she becomes frustrated which may happen depending on the level of severity.  If necessary, encourage the student to use gestures to aid in conveying the intended message, but keep talking J.