What is Vowelization?

Vocalization (voc), also called Vowelization, is a phonological process which typically starts to assimilate around the age of 3.5 years, and sometimes lasts up to the age of 5-7 years. This process is the latest to be eliminated from a child’s speech in typical development, and because of this, as well as the involvement of the pesky /r/ sound (very complex in itself), this phonological process can take longer to treat if delayed. This process is almost always seen in combination with Gliding.

In this process, the child’s /r/ or /l/ sounds are replaced by a vowel alone.

Examples:

  • bear = bay-uh

  • seal = see-uh

  • mother = muth-uh

  • large = lodge

  • mail = may-uh

 
 

Access my printable Phonological Process Guide, specially designed for clinicians and students!