Sarcouncil Journal of Education and Sociology

Abstract: This study aims to examine the process of phonological acquisition in children aged 3-4 years, focusing on the deletion of bilabial consonants /b/ and /p/ at the beginning of words. The deletion of bilabial consonants is a form of phonological simplification that is commonly found in children in the early stages of language acquisition. This study uses a longitudinal approach, in which children's phonological development is observed periodically over a certain period to understand the pattern of sound deletion and the factors that influence it. The research method involves observing and recording data on the production of children's words containing bilabial consonants in the initial position. The data are then analyzed to determine the frequency of sound deletion and to identify general patterns in the process of phonological acquisition. The results of the study indicate that the deletion of sounds /b/ and /p/ at the beginning of words occurs more often in children who are in the early stages of phonological development but tends to decrease with age and the development of articulation skills. This study is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of children's language development, especially the acquisition of bilabial consonant sounds. The results can also be useful for detecting phonological disorders early and providing a basis for speech therapy intervention if needed