Assimilation; Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

Assimilation occurs when one sound is changed to become like another sound in the word; in other words, one sound influences another.  For example, "cup" may be pronounced as "pup."  It is important to note that a child can produce all the sounds in the word correctly, so this is not an articulation problem per se.  Rather, this what experts call a "phonological process" whereby a child produces a different "rule" when saying words.  In the case of assimilation, the "rule" the child is applying is to make the sounds in the word similar.

To reduce assimilation, it is helpful to model production of the word for your child in order to increase awareness of speech.  With the word "cup," say the word slowly to emphasize each individual sound.  Say "cccuuupp."  Have your child repeat after you.  A good cue is, "Put the right sound in the right place."  Another way to heighten awareness of sounds/errors to facilitate correct speech is to contrast the error with the target.  For example, show her a picture of a "cup" and contrast it with a picture of a "pup."  Ask her to say "cup."  If she says "pup," point to the picture of the "pup" and tell her, "You said 'pup.'  You need to say 'cup,'" and then point to the picture of the word "cup."  Also, try breaking up the word.  In the case of "cup," prompt her to say "up."  Praise her when she says it correctly.  Then, prompt her to say "c..........up" then "c........up" then "c......up" and so on.  You should reduce the time between the "kuh" sound and the "up" sound with each production, until she puts the sounds together to form the word correctly.  (Provide praise!)  Of course practice makes perfect.  To train your child broadly, practice a large amount of items.  A great place is the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.  Many names of animals are susceptible to assimilation.  Also, the vocabulary should be familiar to many children.  Practice with these word below, and follow the teaching techniques from above.

Fish (may be pronounced as "shish" or "fif")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Seal (may be pronounced as "leal")

 

Image retrieved from www.zooborns.typepad.com.

Lion (may be pronounced as "nion")

 

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Monkey (may be pronounced as "konkey")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Zebra (may be pronounced as "bebra")

Image retrieved from http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g59642-i29712690-Wheeling_West_Virginia.html.

Shark (may be pronounced as "kark")

 

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Lemur (may be pronounced as "memur" or "lelur")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Panda (may be pronounced as "danda")

Image retrieved from http://www.alleghenyfront.org/story/red-panda-ready-visitors-pittsburgh-zoo.

Snake (may be pronounced as "kake")

Image retrieved from http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/pictures/ig/zoo/rattlesnake.htm; photo credit Albrecht Powell.

Horse (may be pronounced as "sorse")

Image retrieved from http://boomthis.blogspot.com/2013/10/some-horses-gotta-run.html.

Dog (may be pronounced as "dod" or "gog")

Image retrieved from http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/prairie-dog/.

Cat (may be pronounced as "kak" or "tat")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Rhino (may be pronounced as "nhino")

 

Image retrieved from http://intlrhinofoundation.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/cinco-de-rhino-revue/.

Tiger (may be pronounced as "titer" or "giger")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Mole (may be pronounced as "lole")

 Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Tip: Please remember that a sound from the beginning of the word can influence a sound from the end of the word, and vice versa (and including middle sounds, too).