Jennifer A Sturm1, Carol H Seery. 1. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Communication Sciences & Disorders Department, P.O. Box 413, Enderis Hall 873, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study provides preliminary reference data for speech and articulatory rates of school-age children in conversational and narrative speaking contexts. METHOD: Participants included 36 typically developing children in 3 groups of 12 participants at ages 7, 9, and 11 years. Conversational and narrative speech rates were measured in words per minute, syllables per minute, and syllables per second. RESULTS: Speaking rates increased with age between ages 7 and 9, but rates were similar between ages 9 and 11. Between contexts, only the words per minute measure was significantly higher (faster) in narrative than in conversation. IMPLICATIONS: These results are important to the assessment, treatment, and management of children with communication disorders in clinical or school settings.
PURPOSE: This study provides preliminary reference data for speech and articulatory rates of school-age children in conversational and narrative speaking contexts. METHOD:Participants included 36 typically developing children in 3 groups of 12 participants at ages 7, 9, and 11 years. Conversational and narrative speech rates were measured in words per minute, syllables per minute, and syllables per second. RESULTS: Speaking rates increased with age between ages 7 and 9, but rates were similar between ages 9 and 11. Between contexts, only the words per minute measure was significantly higher (faster) in narrative than in conversation. IMPLICATIONS: These results are important to the assessment, treatment, and management of children with communication disorders in clinical or school settings.
Authors: Rachel L Wellman; Barbara A Lewis; Lisa A Freebairn; Allison A Avrich; Amy J Hansen; Catherine M Stein Journal: Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch Date: 2011-10 Impact factor: 2.983