Do you Know About Pronunciation Trouble?

Do you know someone with a lisp? When you pronounce an “s” sound, does it come out as a “th” or sound “slushy”? If you or someone around you has a lisp, know that it’s possible to improve your pronunciation by consulting a speech-language pathologist.

Speech-language pathologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating problems with speech, language, voice and swallowing. They work with adults and children who have persistent issues with pronunciation.

Having trouble pronouncing “s” and “z” sounds is a communication disorder in that it makes our speech sound different, sending an unclear message to the listener. Our speech reflects our personality, so mispronouncing words can even affect the way others see us. For example, lisping can be associated with “baby talk” in children or an effeminate nature in adults. Because this problem can be treated effectively in most cases, speech therapy can make a real difference to your self-esteem and your life in general.

Note that it’s normal for children to have some problems as their speech develops. After all, they need to learn an entire system of sounds to form words, and they need to develop fine motor control to reproduce those sounds as accurately as possible.

It’s common for children to swap sounds, calling a cup a “tup” or a rabbit a “wabbit.” These changes are normal up to a certain point. However, if a school-aged child, teenager or adult still has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (generally “s” and “z,” but sometimes “ch” and “j” as well), it may indicate an articulation (pronunciation) disorder.

During speech therapy, the speech-language pathologist will try to improve the placement of the tongue as it produces sounds that aren’t being pronounced properly. They will start with short words and eventually move up to full conversations, all while making sure that the structures used for speech are in the best condition possible.

Whether your pronunciation issues are mild or severe, or whether they’re simply aesthetic or truly affecting your ability to communicate, don’t be afraid to consult a speech-language pathologist. Mark our words: your speech is important!