What is a defining feature of phonological errors?

Phonological errors are characterized by a discrepancy between a child's and an adult's phonological system. This means that the way a child processes and produces sounds differs significantly from established norms for their age group. In other words, while adults have a well-formed understanding of the phonological rules of their language, children with phonological errors may struggle to apply these rules correctly.

This difference can manifest in various ways, such as substituting one sound for another or omitting certain sounds altogether, leading to speech that may be unclear or difficult to understand. Recognizing this discrepancy is crucial for understanding the nature of the child's speech challenges and for developing appropriate interventions or support strategies.

The other responses touch on different aspects of speech and language but do not accurately define phonological errors. Rather than discussing peripheral levels or sound execution, which relate more to physiological aspects of speech, the focus on the mismatch between child and adult phonological systems is a clear indicator of what constitutes phonological errors. Additionally, phonological errors can impact overall language skills, particularly in areas such as literacy, making the last option incorrect in relation to phonological development.