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First Language Phonological Process of Three Years Child: A Case Study of Makassarese Child
This study examined the phonological acquisition process in a three-
year-old child, Raja, from Makassar, focusing on the developmental patterns
that occur in early language acquisition. Children at this age often display
phonological characteristics such as limited vocabulary, simplified syntax, and
variable pronunciation, making their speech challenging to interpret. The
research employed qualitative, descriptive methods, including direct
observation, recording, and interaction with Raja over a 90-day period to
capture his unique language development patterns. Key findings revealed
several phonological processes, such as substitution (replacing difficult
sounds with familiar ones), assimilation (modifying sounds to resemble
adjacent sounds), syllable structure simplifications, and vowel neutralization.
Raja frequently substituted complex sounds like /s/ and /k/ with easier-to-
pronounce alternatives, reflecting a typical developmental adaptation in
phonology. Moreover, his speech indicated a natural progression in acquiring
specific vowel and consonant sounds. This study underscored the importance
of parental and environmental interaction in fostering language development,
suggesting that children learn actively by engaging with their linguistic
surroundings. The findings contributed to the understanding of early
phonological development and offer practical insights for parents, educators,
and researchers in supporting children’s language acquisition.
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