Restructuring Phonological Grammars: A Comparative Study of OT Based and Traditional Therapy in Jordanian Arabic–Speaking Children

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of an Optimality Theory (OT)-based intervention versus a traditional phonetic-motor approach in treating Functional Phonological Disorders (FPDs) among Jordanian Arabic-speaking children. Thirty children (ages 3; 0-6; 11) diagnosed with FPDs were randomly assigned to two therapy groups. Over 12 weeks, the OT group received constraint-reanalysis activities designed to re-rank markedness and faithfulness constraints, while the traditional group engaged in articulation drills. Outcomes were measured in Percent Consonant Accuracy (PCA) and error-pattern reduction at post-treatment and three-month follow-up. Results indicate significantly greater gains in the OT group (PCA | from 35% to 82%) than in the traditional group (PCA | from 38% to 65%), with superior maintenance at follow-up (78% vs. 55%). These findings support OT's theoretical and clinical utility in phonological intervention.

Highlights

1. The study compares Optimality Theory–based intervention with traditional phonetic-motor therapy in Jordanian Arabic-speaking children with functional phonological disorders.

2. OT-based therapy resulted in greater improvement in consonant accuracy and broader phonological generalization.

3. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of constraint-based approaches in restructuring phonological grammars in early childhood.

4. The study contributes language-specific clinical evidence for Arabic, a relatively underrepresented language in phonological intervention research.

5. Results support sustainable and inclusive speech-language intervention practices aligned with early childhood health and education goals.