Skip to Content

How do dyslexic people talk?



How do dyslexic people talk?

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, and sometimes speaking. It is estimated that dyslexia impacts 5-10% of the population to some degree. Dyslexia is often misunderstood as simply reversing letters, but it actually affects many aspects of language. So how does dyslexia affect the way someone talks? Here is an overview of some common speech characteristics of dyslexic individuals.

Difficulty with multisyllabic words

One of the most common speech challenges for people with dyslexia is difficulty pronouncing long, multisyllabic words. For example, they may struggle with words like “transportation” or “characteristic.” This happens because dyslexia makes it hard to break words into syllables and sound out each part. As a result, long words can come out jumbled or mispronounced.

Some strategies that can help are breaking words into smaller parts, over-enunciating syllables, and allowing extra processing time before saying tricky multisyllabic words aloud. With practice, many dyslexics can overcome this difficulty, although some continue to struggle with it throughout life.

Letter reversals when speaking

Just as letters can get reversed when reading and writing, occasionally letter reversals sneak into a dyslexic person’s speech as well. For example, they may accidentally say “lefty loosey” instead of “lefty tighty.” Or they might switch around parts of words, like saying “aminal” instead of “animal.”

Usually these speech reversals are inconsistent and only occur from time to time. But it can make a dyslexic person’s speech sound jumbled or immature. Being aware of the tendency to reverse letters can allow an individual to take extra care and catch themselves when speaking.

Problems with rhyming

Rhyming requires carefully listening to the individual phonemes (sounds) within words. But dyslexics often struggle to distinguish these small sound parts. As a result, rhyming can be exceptionally difficult.

During conversation, a dyslexic child may avoid games like rhyming riddles or fill-in-the-blank songs with rhyming lyrics. As an adult, rhyming continues to be challenging. For example, a dyslexic person may have trouble coming up with rhymes on demand, like composing a limerick poem.

Rhyming relies on phonological awareness, which is one of the language areas affected by dyslexia. With explicit instruction in breaking down and manipulating sounds, dyslexics can improve rhyming skills over time.

Word retrieval problems

Many people with dyslexia experience word retrieval problems or anomia. This means they have trouble thinking of the right word in conversation. Often the word is “on the tip of the tongue,” but it just won’t come out.

Word retrieval issues can make speaking feel laborious. The speaker may have to pause frequently or use filler words like “um” as they search for the vocabulary they want. Circumlocution, or talking around a word, is common too. Dyslexics may resort to descriptions like “the thing that cuts paper” when the word “scissors” eludes them.

Word retrieval challenges can lead to frustration and losing one’s train of thought during conversations. Building vocabulary over time can help compensate for dyslexia-related word retrieval problems.

Mispronunciation of common words

Even common words that most people pronounce effortlessly can sometimes get scrambled by dyslexic speakers. Examples include:

– Pasghetti (spaghetti)
– Libary (library)
– Febuary (February)
– Aks (ask)
– Fustrated (frustrated)

Again, the root cause is difficulty breaking words into component sounds. Similar sounding consonants like “b”/”d” or vowels like “e”/”i” are especially tricky.

With speech therapy and over time, dyslexic children can learn to self-correct pronunciation errors. But some dyslexic adults continue to deal with chronic mispronunciation of select everyday words.

Malapropisms

A malapropism is the mistaken use of a real word in place of a similar-sounding one. For example, saying “heat of the battle” instead of “height of the battle.” Dyslexics often commit malapropisms because their phonological processing makes similar-sounding words easily confused.

Some examples are:

– “The tornado picked up speed and hit the sheep of the hill.” (Steep)
– “Swim practice helps build my son’s lung capacity.” (Lung stamina)
– “His performance was adequate at beast.” (At best)

Malapropisms reflect the subtleties of dyslexia. Even those who compensate well in daily conversation may commit the occasional malapropism. Identifying tendencies toward confusing similar words can bring awareness to improve speech over the long term.

Speech Therapy

Speech-language therapy is an intervention that can help dyslexics improve communication and language abilities, including speech. A speech therapist teaches techniques to overcome difficulties like:

– Sounding out multisyllabic words
– Slowing rate of speech
– Building phonemic awareness
– Expanding vocabulary
– Self-monitoring for common errors

Speech therapy exercises include:

Minimal pairs

Minimal pairs are words that differ by a single sound, such as “bit” and “bet.” Recognizing the subtle sound difference helps dyslexics listen more carefully to components of words. Therapy drills promote paying attention to how the mouth and tongue are positioned to create specific letter sounds.

Tongue twisters

Tongue twisters like “red leather, yellow leather” force precision in producing letter sounds. Working through challenging multisyllabic phrases improves articulation and fluency. It also builds awareness of error patterns that can be self-corrected.

Rhyming

Rhyming drills, songs, and games help dyslexics gain phonemic awareness to master rhyme scheme. This transfers to better distinguishing similar sounding words in everyday speech.

Listening exercises

Exercises that involve focused listening to short passages or lectures improve auditory processing. Better auditory discrimination leads to more accurate speech.

Repetition

Repeating polysyllabic words and phrases aloud improves muscle memory for clear pronunciation. Imitating model speech from the therapist provides feedback to self-monitor progress.

Speech therapy is most effective when started early, but adults can also make significant gains working with a speech-language pathologist. Even short-term targeted therapy can produce long-lasting improvements in speech fluency.

Assistive Communication Devices

Some individuals with severe dyslexia struggle so significantly with spoken language that they benefit from assistive communication technology. Devices like tablets provide text-to-speech capabilities to facilitate conversation.

Some examples include:

Text-to-speech apps

Apps like NaturalReader allow a user to enter text and have it spoken aloud naturally. This helps dyslexics communicate written thoughts they may not be able to share verbally on their own.

Word prediction

Word prediction programs guess desired vocabulary based on initial letters typed. This compensates for dyslexia-related word retrieval issues by providing correct options.

Alternative keyboards

Custom keyboards like Keeble eliminate errors from accidental keystrokes. Layouts with word prediction require less typing to convey messages.

Picture boards

Picture symbols representing common words and phrases give a nonverbal option for expression. The user points to relevant icons to communicate.

When speaking is too difficult, assistive technology removes that barrier to functional communication. With training, dyslexic individuals can use these tools to supplement or replace speech.

Speaking Strategies for Dyslexics

Whether or not technology aids are required, implementing good speaking habits can smooth conversation for dyslexics. Helpful strategies include:

Slow down

Rushing leads to more slips and errors. Speaking slowly allows the dyslexic talker to consciously think through word choices and articulation. It also gives any listeners additional processing time.

Over-enunciate

Clearly pronouncing each syllable and sound within words avoids mumbled or blended speech. This prevents mispronunciations and substitutions.

Allow processing time

Pausing after questions or before responding gives the dyslexic brain time to retrieve words and organize thoughts. This leads to clearer, more coherent responses.

Repeat and clarify

If a dyslexic speaker notices a confused reaction from a listener, restating a thought using different words improves comprehension. Asking listeners to repeat back complex information also ensures accurate transmission.

Substitute simpler vocabulary

If unable to pronounce a specific word, describing the term in simpler language keeps conversation flowing. With practice, appropriately tricky vocabulary can be added back into expressive speech.

Use memory aids

Writing down a few key words or brief notes helps jog memory and organize thoughts for verbalization.

Correct mistakes

Self-monitoring speech and correcting errors and malapropisms in the moment limits confusion. But occasionally letting minor mistakes pass avoids derailing conversation flow.

Allow grace for yourself and others

Speaking challenges due to dyslexia can be frustrating. But manifesting patience and giving oneself permission for imperfection eases social anxiety around talking. Accepting accommodations from listeners is also important.

Conclusion

Dyslexia certainly poses extra challenges for speaking, but does not preclude fluent self-expression. Understanding typical speech difficulties allows dyslexic individuals to thoughtfully improve communication skills. Assistive technology and therapy provide additional support when needed. Implementing grace, patience, and practical habits makes conversation much more manageable. Above all, recognizing that one’s thoughts and perspectives are valuable regardless of articulation difficulties is empowering. With time and practice, dyslexics can develop strong conversational abilities and confidence.