In the speech of an African American child, which phonological pattern is most likely to represent a dialectical variation?

In the speech of an African American child, which phonological pattern is most likely to represent a dialectical variation?

• A. /f/ for /θ/ in postvocalic position
• B. /θ/ for /s/ in all positions
• C. Affricates for fricatives in word-final position
• D. Dentals for velars in word-initial position

Answer: (A)

The choice regarding the use of /f/ for /θ/ in postvocalic position most accurately reflects a phonological pattern that is commonly observed in certain African American dialects, particularly African American English (AAE). In this dialect, the /θ/ sound, which is a voiceless dental fricative as found in words like "think" or "bath," may be pronounced as /f/, especially when it occurs after a vowel. This phonological substitution is a recognized characteristic of AAE and denotes a systematic variation in speech that is tied to cultural and linguistic identity. Other options do not typically align with the specific patterns found in AAE. For instance, using /θ/ for /s/ in all positions is not representative of a dialectical variation in AAE, as it does not align with actual phonological patterns identified in the dialect. Similarly, affricates for fricatives in word-final position and dentals for velars in word-initial position are not standard features of AAE and would not be expected variations within this linguistic framework. Understanding these phonological variations is essential in the context of speech-language pathology, as it highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting linguistic diversity when working with children from different

The choice regarding the use of /f/ for /θ/ in postvocalic position most accurately reflects a phonological pattern that is commonly observed in certain African American dialects, particularly African American English (AAE). In this dialect, the /θ/ sound, which is a voiceless dental fricative as found in words like "think" or "bath," may be pronounced as /f/, especially when it occurs after a vowel. This phonological substitution is a recognized characteristic of AAE and denotes a systematic variation in speech that is tied to cultural and linguistic identity.

Other options do not typically align with the specific patterns found in AAE. For instance, using /θ/ for /s/ in all positions is not representative of a dialectical variation in AAE, as it does not align with actual phonological patterns identified in the dialect. Similarly, affricates for fricatives in word-final position and dentals for velars in word-initial position are not standard features of AAE and would not be expected variations within this linguistic framework.

Understanding these phonological variations is essential in the context of speech-language pathology, as it highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting linguistic diversity when working with children from different