Speech Sound Errors: Fricative Simplification
What is a Phonological Process
A phonological process is a pattern young children use to simplify speech as they learn to talk. Since some sounds are harder to say than others, children might change them to make speaking easier. These processes are normal and usually disappear as the child grows older and gains more control over their speech.
What is Fricative Simplification
Fricative simplification happens when a child makes a fricative ‘th’ sound simpler by turning it into an ‘f’ or a ‘v’ sound For example, they might say "fumb" instead of "thumb."
Age of Elimination
Broadly, ‘th’ fricative simplification should be eliminated somewhere around 6 years of age*.
Examples include:
Fricative ‘f’ Simplification: e.g., ‘th’ -> ‘f’ as in ‘thumb’ becomes ‘fum’
Fricative ‘v’ Simplification: e.g., ‘th’ -> ‘v’ as in ‘feather’ becomes ‘feva’
*Please note these ages of elimination are intended as a general guide only. Other sources can change age ranges by six months to a year. Phonological processes are a murky area of speech pathology.
Fixing Fricative Simplification
Model Correct Sounds: Clearly and slowly pronounce words with the correct fricative sounds so the child can hear the difference. When they say "feva", gently correct them by saying, "Yes, that is a bird feather”.
Practice Minimal Pairs: Show how the mouth moves to make fricative sounds and how they sound different. For instance, say ‘f’ with your top teeth on your bottom lip, and ‘th’ has your tongue just touching your top teeth.
Practice with Games: Use picture cards or fun activities that encourage your child to say words with fricative sounds correctly. Ask your child to repeat words after you.
Start with Easier Words: Begin with words that are easier to say, then gradually move to more challenging ones.
Use Visuals: Show how the mouth moves to make fricative sounds.
Helping your child with fricative simplification can be fun and engaging. With patience and practice, they'll start using the correct sounds in no time!
Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.
References:
ASHA. (2022). Selected Phonological Processes. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/articulation-and-phonology/selected-phonological-processes/
Bowen, C. (2011). Table 3 - Elimination of Phonological Processes. Speech-Language-Therapy.com. https://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31:table3&catid=11:admin&Itemid=117
Suggested Resources
Stone Age Struggle: Fricative Simplification ($0.50)
Practice eliminating various fricative simplification errors with dangerous dinos in a fun interactive game of minimal pairs.
Shopping Trip: Fricative Simplification($0.50)
Practice eliminating various fractive simplification errors with minimal pairs by competing to see who can fill their shopping basket first.
Monster Madness: Fricative Simplification($0.50)
Practice eliminating various fricative simplification errors with mad monsters in a fun interactive game of minimal pairs.