What phonological process refers to the simplification of adult speech patterns by children?

The term that refers to the simplification of adult speech patterns by children is the broad category labeled as phonological processes. Phonological processes are systematic patterns that young children use in speech to simplify complex adult speech sounds as they develop their language skills. These processes allow children to produce speech that is more manageable while they are still learning the intricacies of phonetics and phonology.

For instance, a child may simplify a difficult word by omitting certain sounds or substituting easier ones, which reflects their development stage rather than a lack of understanding of the language itself. Recognizing that these patterns are common in language acquisition helps caregivers and educators understand the natural progression in a child's speech development. This category encompasses various specific processes, such as substitution and cluster reduction, but the overarching concept is phonological processes, which captures the essence of how children learn to navigate spoken language.