For a child who produces [t] for /s/ and [b] for /v/, which aspect of language should intervention target?

For a child who produces [t] for /s/ and [b] for /v/, which aspect of language should intervention target?

• A. Morphology
• B. Syntax
• C. Phonology
• D. Semantics

Answer: (C)

The correct answer focuses on phonology, which is the aspect of language that deals with the sound system and how sounds function within a particular language. In this scenario, the child is demonstrating phonological errors by substituting [t] for the sound /s/ and [b] for the sound /v/. These substitutions indicate that the child is struggling with the articulation and perception of specific phonemes, which are critical for producing and understanding spoken language. Intervention should target these phonological errors to help the child articulate sounds correctly and ultimately improve their overall speech intelligibility. By addressing the phonological aspects of their speech, the child can develop the skills necessary to produce the correct sounds and enhance their communication abilities. The other aspects—morphology, syntax, and semantics—focus on the rules of word formation, sentence structure, and meaning, respectively. While these areas are also important for language development, they are not the primary concern in cases where specific sound substitutions are evident.

The correct answer focuses on phonology, which is the aspect of language that deals with the sound system and how sounds function within a particular language. In this scenario, the child is demonstrating phonological errors by substituting [t] for the sound /s/ and [b] for the sound /v/. These substitutions indicate that the child is struggling with the articulation and perception of specific phonemes, which are critical for producing and understanding spoken language.

Intervention should target these phonological errors to help the child articulate sounds correctly and ultimately improve their overall speech intelligibility. By addressing the phonological aspects of their speech, the child can develop the skills necessary to produce the correct sounds and enhance their communication abilities.

The other aspects—morphology, syntax, and semantics—focus on the rules of word formation, sentence structure, and meaning, respectively. While these areas are also important for language development, they are not the primary concern in cases where specific sound substitutions are evident.