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Unlock the Secrets of African American Speech: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know!

Unlock the Secrets of African American Speech: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know!

Understanding the Complexity of African American Language

In the realm of speech-language pathology, understanding the nuances of African American Language (AAL) is crucial for creating effective therapeutic interventions. A recent study titled Sources of Variation in the Speech of African Americans: Perspectives from Sociophonetics by Farrington et al. (2021) offers valuable insights into the phonological variations within AAL and their implications for practitioners.

Key Findings from the Study

The research highlights three primary sources of variation in AAL: migration, segregation, and place and identity. These factors have contributed significantly to the development and spread of the African American Vowel System (AAVS), a distinctive phonological pattern within AAL.

Implications for Practitioners

For speech-language pathologists, understanding these variations is essential for tailoring interventions that respect and acknowledge the linguistic diversity of African American children. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides a solid foundation, there is a need for ongoing research to further explore the complexities of AAL. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with current research and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Sources of variation in the speech of African Americans: Perspectives from sociophonetics.


Citation: Farrington, C., King, S., & Kohn, M. (2021). Sources of variation in the speech of African Americans: Perspectives from sociophonetics. WIREs Cognitive Science, 12(3), e1550. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1550
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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