In a client with articulation errors such as f/v, remediation would best begin by focusing on which feature?

• A. Place of articulation
• B. Voicing
• C. Manner of articulation
• D. Lip rounding

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that voicing is what separates these two sounds. F and V are produced at the same place of articulation (labiodental) and with the same manner (fricatives); the only difference is whether the vocal cords vibrate. So remediation should begin by teaching and strengthening the sense of voicing: the client should be able to produce the voiceless fricative without vocal fold vibration and the voiced fricative with vibration. Use tactile cues like placing a hand on the throat to feel vibration for the voiced sound, and practice with minimal pairs such as fan versus van to hear and feel the contrast. Once the client consistently demonstrates the voiced and voiceless distinctions through proper voicing, you can layer in other articulatory features as needed. Lip rounding isn’t the defining factor here, and changing place or manner isn’t necessary at the start since the key difference to train is voicing.