PURPOSE: This study had the aim to verify and characterize the lisp occurrence, investigating its correlation with the tonicity of the syllable in which the phoneme [s] occurred, either in initial or final position. The study also had the aim to observe whether some of these contexts would facilitate the correct production of the phoneme [s] and would be indicated as a valid therapeutic resource. METHODS: From the 54 patients in speech therapy, 16 were selected through records analysis. These subjects (both male and female) had ages ranging from five to 19 years and presented lisp. Data were gathered through a speech test that had the aim to verify the production of the phoneme [s] in 79 words, in initial, middle and final syllable positions, in both stressed and unstressed syllables followed by the vowels [a], [e], [e], [i], <img src="/img/revistas/rsbf/v13n1/07simbolo.gif">, [o] and [u]. The productions were recorded on audio and video. Statistical analysis used the Minitab software, version 14.0, and the Z Test for comparison of ratio. RESULTS: Twelve patients (75%) presented frontal lisp and four (25%), lateral lisp. Reduction of the lisp was not observed in relation to syllable stress or coarticulation with different vowels. The initial and middle syllable positions reduced significantly the lisp, when compared to middle and final coda positions. CONCLUSION: Syllable stress and coarticulation with different vowels do not modify the incidence of lisp. Initial syllable positions, however, seem to facilitate the production of [s] and must be considered in the choice of the resource and material to be used in therapy.
Speech disorders; Articulation disorders; Phonetics
