SPEECH DISORDERS: A PSYCHOLINGUISTICS ANALYSIS OF LISPING

ABSTRACT

Speech disorders constitute a significant category of communicationdisorders that profoundly influence language productionandcomprehension. Among these disorders, lisping stands out as a distinctivecondition characterized by the impaired ability to accurately producesibilant sounds, such as "s" and "z." While lisping is often observedinyoungchildren, it can persist into adulthood, posing challenges toef ectivecommunication. This paper delves into the realmof lispingfromapsycholinguistic standpoint, aiming to unravel the intricate cognitive, linguistic and neural dimensions that underlie this condition. Beyondthephysiological aspects, the psycholinguistic exploration of lisping extendstothe broader sociocultural and psychological implications of this speechdisorder. Individuals with lisping often grapple with issues relatedtoself-esteem and confidence due to their distinctive mode of speech. Investigatingthese dimensions helps us appreciate the comprehensive impact of lispingonan individual's overall well-being, highlighting the necessity for holistictreatment approaches. This study was carried out in the University of BeninStaf School. Data for this study were collected using the followingtools-avoice and video recorder, pen and paper for the oral interviewof thecorrespondents which constitute three males and four females whoseagerange fall within 6 and 7. Also we elicited data from the speech therapist atthe University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Pure datawereanalyzed using the Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) Framework. Our findings reveal that the cornerstone of intervention for lispingprimarilyrevolves around speech therapy, a process designed to retrain andrefinetheindividual's speech mechanism. This therapeutic approach targets not onlythe physical aspects of speech production but also the tone, clarity, andenunciation of speech sounds. By scrutinizing lisping fromapsycholinguistic angle, we lay the foundation for more ef ectiveandpersonalized therapeutic interventions that encompass not only the linguisticand cognitive aspects but also the emotional and psychological aspectsofthe disorder.