This is a very important step in reciting the “r” sound, which cannot be executed unless the mouth is in an oval shape. To assist another person in learning the “r” sound, encourage them to look at you as you form it correctly by forming a small “o” with your lips. [2] X Research source
To practice constricting the pharynx, gargle water while saying “ah. “[3] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Your pharynx will constrict in the same place that it must constrict to say the “r” sound. Another way to learn how to constrict the pharynx involves gently biting both edges of the tongue with the molars and pressing up with the tongue onto the top molars. Say “eee” while doing this motion with the tongue; this is what it feels like when the pharynx constricts.
Practice it every day, even if you are not getting the sound correctly. If you have a friend or partner who can help you daily, ask them to say the word to you and you say it back to them as you watch in a mirror, so you can watch their sound production and compare it to your own.
Most toddlers begin saying the sound like a “w” instead of an “r,” as in “wabbit. " This can continue for several years and usually self-corrects without intervention. The proper pronunciation of the “r” sound before the age of 6 or 7 is typically not a concern. If it’s not accompanied by other speech problems or by social anxiety, its often best to let it resolve on its own. [4] X Research source Age and intelligibility can be a clue as to whether or not a child needs intervention for language skills. If a 3-year-old is not intelligible to strangers at all, that can signal a problem; however, a kindergartner who is intelligible but still struggles with the “r” is probably in the range of normal. By second grade, a child should be able to pronounce the “r” sound. [5] X Research source
The lips: To understand how the lips function when saying the “r” sound, ask someone who can pronounce it properly to say the word “rabbit. " What does their mouth do when they say the “r” part of the word? If they’re forming it correctly, their mouth makes a small circle. The rounded lips are the first component of a proper “r” pronunciation. [6] X Research source The tongue: If you are unable to make the “r” sound, you may have no idea what a tongue should be doing while properly pronouncing the “r. " In fact, the tongue makes a small mound or hump in the mouth, and sound waves travel over that mound to properly execute the sound. [7] X Research source The pharynx: The pharynx is another word for the throat, and the part of the pharynx that is associated with the “r” sound is at the very top of the throat. In order to make the “r” sound, the pharynx has to constrict or tighten.
An SLP will conduct a thorough evaluation of all elements of you or your child’s speech, including your muscle control, articulation, eating habits, and receptive skills (that is, how well you or your child understands spoken language).
One way to strengthen it is to gargle water every day. Try to articulate the sound “ah” while you gargle the water in the back of your throat; this is a similar motion to what you need to do when you are saying the “r” sound. [10] X Research source
Watch your friend’s face as he properly executes the different sounds, then watch your own face as you attempt to execute the sounds. Look to see how your lips’ position moves with each sound.
A speech-language pathologist can help you to determine if a positioning device is right for you. Examples of these positioning devices are available from the Speech Buddy manufacturer at www. speechbuddy. com.
