Maximal opposition approach to phonological treatment

J Speech Hear Disord. 1989 Feb;54(1):9-19. doi: 10.1044/jshd.5401.09.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate a phonological treatment program of maximal rather than minimal feature contrasts by charting the course of learning in a child displaying a systematic error pattern involving the nonoccurrence of word-initial consonants. Generalization data indicated that the child learned 16 word-initial consonants following treatment of only three sets of maximal opposition contrasts. Overgeneralization data indicated that the child restructured his phonological system based on a larger concept of "word initialness." Basic components of and differences between various forms of contrast treatment are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Articulation Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Speech Therapy / methods*