At what age is phonological production largely complete?

Phonological production is largely complete by age four. At this age, children typically demonstrate a significant proficiency in articulating most sounds of their language, with the exception of a few complex sounds that may not fully develop until later. Research in speech and language development indicates that by age four, the majority of children are able to produce the sounds necessary for clear communication and can be understood by adults who are not familiar with their speech patterns.

While younger children may have emerging phonological skills, they often substitute or mispronounce certain sounds, which can impact their clarity. By age four, the articulation of speech sounds becomes more refined, reflecting the child's growing linguistic capabilities. Furthermore, this stage is crucial for overall language development, as phonological skills are foundational for reading and writing proficiency.