In children, what age typically marks the mastery of phonemes /m/ and /n/?

In children, what age typically marks the mastery of phonemes /m/ and /n/?

• A. Before age 2
• B. Around age 3
• C. By age 4
• D. By age 5

Answer: (B)

The mastery of phonemes /m/ and /n/ in children typically occurs around age 3. At this age, children have progressed significantly in their speech development and begin to produce a wider variety of sounds more consistently. Phonemes /m/ and /n/ are considered early developing sounds and generally appear in children’s speech as they refine their articulatory skills. While some children may begin to use these sounds earlier than age 3, it is at this age that most children are expected to articulate them accurately in the majority of their speech, leading to greater clarity in communication. This development aligns with the normal progression of phonological acquisition, where children first learn to produce easier, more frequently occurring sounds before mastering more complex ones.

The mastery of phonemes /m/ and /n/ in children typically occurs around age 3. At this age, children have progressed significantly in their speech development and begin to produce a wider variety of sounds more consistently. Phonemes /m/ and /n/ are considered early developing sounds and generally appear in children’s speech as they refine their articulatory skills.

While some children may begin to use these sounds earlier than age 3, it is at this age that most children are expected to articulate them accurately in the majority of their speech, leading to greater clarity in communication. This development aligns with the normal progression of phonological acquisition, where children first learn to produce easier, more frequently occurring sounds before mastering more complex ones.