Speech Sound Errors: Deaffrication
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 Deaffrication
Deaffrication happens when a child changes an affricate sound like ‘ch’ in ‘chair’ or ‘j’ in ‘jump’ to a simpler sound like ‘sh’ or ‘zh.’ For example, they might say ‘share’ instead of ‘chair.’
Age of Elimination
Broadly, deaffrication should be eliminated somewhere around 4 years of age*.
Examples include:
Deaffrication ‘ch’: e.g., ‘ch’ -> ‘sh’ as in ‘chip’ becomes ‘ship’.
Deaffrication ‘j’: e.g., ‘j’ -> ‘zh’ as in ‘job’ becomes ‘zhob’.
*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 Deaffrication
Model Correct Sounds: Clearly pronounce words with "ch" and "j" sounds during regular conversations.
Practice with Visuals: Show pictures or use flashcards with words that have "ch" and "j" sounds. Emphasize the correct pronunciation while looking at the picture.
Play Sound Games: Use games like matching or sorting to help your child hear and practice the correct sounds.
Break Down Words: Help your child break down words into smaller parts, focusing on the "ch" and "j" sounds.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when they correctly use the "ch" or "j" sound.
Helping your child with deaffrication 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: Deaffrication ($0.50)
Practice eliminating various deaffrication errors with dangerous dinos in a fun interactive game of minimal pairs.
Shopping Trip: Deaffrication ($0.50)
Practice eliminating various deaffrication errors with minimal pairs by competing to see who can fill their shopping basket first.
Monster Madness: Deaffication ($0.50)
Practice eliminating various deaffrication errors with mad monsters in a fun interactive game of minimal pairs.