Syllabic patterns in typical and atypical phonological development: Ultrasonographic analysis

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to compare the production of syllabic patterns of the CVC and CV types performed by Brazilian children with typical and atypical phonological development through ultrasonography of tongue. Methods: Ten children (five with typical and with five atypical phonological development) recorded nine pairs of words from the syllables: CCV and CV. The images and audios were captured simultaneously by the Articulate Assistant Advanced software. The data were submitted to perceptive analysis and ultrasonographic articulatory analysis (the area between the tip and the blade of the tongue). The area measurements were submitted to one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: ANOVA demonstrated a significant effect for the clinical condition (typical and atypical), (F (1.8) = 172.48, p > 0.000) forthe area measurements. In both syllabic patterns (CCV and CV) the atypical children showed greater values of the area between the tip and the blade of the tongue. Regarding the syllabic patterns analyzed, the statistical test showed no significant effect (F (1.8)=0.19, p > 0.658). Conclusion: The use of a greater area of the tongue by children with atypical phonological development suggests the non-differentiation of the tip and the anterior body gestures of the tongue in the production of CV and CCV.