Disfluency

Detailed Explanation:

Disfluency refers to interruptions in the normal flow of speech. These can include repetitions (e.g., “I-I-I want”), prolongations (stretching sounds), or blocks (pauses where no sound comes out). While occasional disfluencies are common in everyday speech, frequent or severe disfluencies may indicate a speech disorder such as stuttering.

Examples of Disfluency:

  • A child repeating initial sounds while learning to talk.

  • An adult pausing or blocking mid-sentence when nervous.

  • A speaker elongating sounds like “ssss” before continuing.

Related Terms:

  • Stuttering

  • Cluttering

  • Fluency Disorders

  • Speech Pauses

Frequently Asked Questions About Disfluency:

  1. What is disfluency?
    It’s an interruption in the smooth flow of speech, such as repetition or pausing.

  2. Is disfluency the same as stuttering?
    Stuttering is a type of disfluency, but not all disfluencies are stuttering.

  3. Are disfluencies normal?
    Yes, occasional disfluencies are common in both children and adults.

  4. When should disfluency be a concern?
    If it occurs frequently, causes frustration, or impacts communication.

  5. Can disfluency be treated?
    Yes, through speech therapy and fluency-enhancing strategies.

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