The mental representation of sounds in speech sound disorders

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate facets the human phonological system in an attempt elucidate special nature mental representations and operations underlying some errors speech sound disorders (SSDs). After examining different theories on sounds their organization SSDs, we arrive at conclusion that existing elucidations do not suffice explain distinctive SSDs. Here, endorse a hypothesis favor representationalism but offer alternative conceptualization (PR). We argue PR be understood terms base holds information about segment’s acoustic structure, which interacts with other levels mind so as produce certain sound. also propose connected interface module mediates interactions between articulatory (AS) responsible for physical manifestation real time by way coordination activities organs vocal tract. specifically consider stages within interface, specialized cognitive system, can patterns SSD data have far remained elusive. Positioned AS, heart current study. presence necessitated fact all SSDs are explainable structural, motor or even symbolic misrepresentations level PR. acts mediating mapping onto instructions actual production sounds. receive, process, share inputs system. believe such ours key explaining least disarticulations