Which type of disfluency involves the repetition of short words?

Repetitions refer to the repetition of sounds, syllables, or short words during speech. This specific type of disfluency is characterized by the speaker producing one or more of these units multiple times, which is often indicative of a stuttering pattern. For example, a person might say "I I I want to go" where the short word "I" is repeated. This kind of disfluency is one of the more common forms seen in individuals who stutter.

Understanding this type of disfluency is crucial for both identification and intervention, as it distinguishes the nature of the stuttering and helps speech-language pathologists choose appropriate therapy approaches. Other types of disfluencies such as prolongations (stretching sounds), blocks (inability to produce sounds), and substitutions (replacing one word with another) differ in their presentation and implications for treatment.