SIGMATISM Meaning and
Definition
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Sigmatism is a term primarily used in the field of speech pathology and phonetics to describe a specific type of speech disorder or articulation error. Specifically, sigmatism refers to the inability or difficulty in properly producing or articulating the sound of the letter "s" or similar sibilant sounds. This speech disorder is characterized by the substitution, distortion, or omission of the "s" sound in spoken words.
Individuals with sigmatism often have difficulties forming the correct tongue placement, airflow, and muscle coordination needed to produce the "s" sound accurately. As a result, their pronunciation may sound slurred, lisped, or imprecise.
Sigmatism can manifest in various ways, including the substitution of alternative sounds, such as "th" or "sh" for "s," or the addition of extra breathiness or whistling sounds when attempting to produce the "s" sound. This speech disorder can affect one's ability to communicate effectively and may impact social interactions, as it could result in miscommunication or misunderstanding.
Speech therapy is the most common intervention used to treat sigmatism. Speech-language pathologists work with individuals with sigmatism to improve their articulation skills, focusing on exercises and techniques that help them develop proper tongue placement, airflow control, and coordination. With regular therapy and practice, individuals with sigmatism can often improve their speech and achieve clearer, more fluent communication.
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A form of stammering in which pronunciation of the letters is imperfect.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SIGMATISM
- aigmatism
- zigmatism
- xigmatism
- eigmatism
- wigmatism
- sugmatism
- sjgmatism
- skgmatism
- s9gmatism
- s8gmatism
- sifmatism
- sivmatism
- sibmatism
- sihmatism
- siymatism
- sitmatism
- signatism
- sigkatism
- sigjatism
- sigmztism
Etymology of SIGMATISM
The word "sigmatism" is derived from the Greek letter sigma (Σ or σ) which is pronounced as "s" in English. The term "sigmatism" specifically refers to a speech defect or an excessive use of the sound "s" in pronunciation. It comes from the Greek word "sigmatismos" (σιγματισμός), which is derived from "sigma" and the suffix "-ismos", indicating a condition or state. The term is used in linguistics and speech therapy to describe problems with pronouncing the "s" sound correctly.
Similar spelling word for SIGMATISM
