Canonical Vocalization and Phonological Development in Children with and without Repaired Cleft Palate

Abstract

Objectives: Canonical vocalization is an important factor in predicting the early speech-language development of children. This study investigated the characteristics of canonical vocalization and phonological development in children aged 13-16 months with cleft palate at 2-3 months following palatal surgery compared to those of children without cleft palate.Methods: Sixteen children with repaired cleft palate and 16 children without cleft palate participated in the study. The frequency and percentage of canonical vocalization, phoneme inventory, and phonological structures were analyzed from all-day recordings at home and compared between children with and without repaired cleft palate. The relationship between canonical vocalization and phonological development was also examined.Results: Children with repaired cleft palate had a lower rate of canonical vocalization and showed restriction in consonant inventories containing canonical vocalization compared to children without cleft palate. They produced nasals predominantly showing restricted production of stops, and they showed significantly smaller high vowel production than children without cleft palate. They also showed restrictions in the diversity and complexity of phonological structures compared to children without cleft palate. All groups had positive correlations between canonical vocalization ratio and phonological development.Conclusion: This study provided understanding about the phonological development of children with cleft palate following palatal surgery and addressed clinical implications for early intervention.