When No Speech Norms Exist: Observations From Sinhala

What is it about?

In the absence of research-driven speech norms, speech and language pathologists may rely on easily available norms as a clinical guide. This is the case for Sinhala, where English speech norms are often consulted. This preliminary study was undertaken to explore and document the Sinhala phonological processes of 102 typically-developing children between 3 years and 6 years and 11 months, using a newly designed picture-based Sinhala speech assessment. While common phonological processes of fronting of velars, stopping and weak syllable deletion documented in speech language pathology literature and cross-linguistic literature were also observed in Sinhala, less common phonological processes of fronting of retroflex sounds, lateralisation and denasalization of prenasalized stop sounds were also noted. The study also found some similarities in phonological processes between Sinhala and Sri Lankan Tamil; the two main languages spoken in Sri Lanka.

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Why is it important?

The similarities and differences observed for Sinhala phonological processes in typically-developing children compared to English and cross-linguistic literature reinforces the value of language-specific norms within clinical practice. The lack of language-specific speech norms carries with it the risk of an incorrect diagnosis. The current findings can be used as a guide in clinical practice to more accurately identify phonological delay or disorder. A larger study with representation of Sinhala-speaking children from across the country in recommended.

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