Consideration of Error Types

Abstract

In this article the use of the term phonological to describe disordered speech patterns is discussed. In adopting the term, it seems important to give equal consideration to both the articulatory aspects and the more cognitive aspects of the problem. Viewing the phonological system as a whole highlights the different types of errors within the system. It is suggested that phonological disorders include both phonetic and phonemic error types and that the distinction between the two error types is useful in both assessment and treatment. Describing errors as either phonetic or phonemic types may lead to differential treatment procedures that are most appropriate for specific error types.