Research project A multidimensional investigation of fine phonetic variation in child speech

Fricatives (f, s, v, h, and the “tje” and “sje” sounds) are among the last sounds to be acquired by children, as they require fine control of tongue position and configuration. In the PhD project “The acquisition of Swedish voiceless fricatives” we explore the acoustic properties of Standard Central Swedish fricatives in children between 3 and 16. Adult speakers are also recorded, to be used as reference in the study of children’s fricative productions. Both static and dynamic acoustic analyses are performed. The project is expected to contribute to our understanding of Swedish children’s speech acquisition.