Phonetic and phonemic acquisition: Normative data in English and Dutch speech sound development

Abstract

ObjectiveComparison of normative data in English and Dutch speech sound development in young children. Research questions were: Which normative data are present concerning speech sound development in children between two and six years of age? In which way are the speech sounds examined? What are the differences and similarities between the development of speech sounds in different languages? MethodsA literature study on the subject was performed to be able to answer the research questions. ResultsThe presented normative English data showed that all vowels are present at three years of age, and most consonants (singletons) already at four years of age, except for/ʃ, ɹ, θ, ð/. Consonant clusters develop between 4.5 and 5.5 years of age. The phonological error patterns gliding can be present until six years of age.According to information regarding the Dutch speech sound system, the same ages are found for vowels and single consonants. The age of acquisition of most consonant clusters is present at about six years of age, but the development goes on until ten years of age. ConclusionThe data from the development of the English and Dutch speech sound system show many similar tendencies. Vowels are mastered by the age of three, most consonants by the age of four and most consonant clusters between 5 and 6–8 years of age. Perhaps, there is a universal trend in speech sound development like there is in language development.