Dear L.R.,

It is unfortunate but true that others tend to judge us by our speech patterns. People who have difficulty with /r/ sounds may be judged as immature or even less intelligent than they really are. You are on the right track in reaching out for help.

The 'r' sounds have many variations. Some are consonants, while others act like vowels in a word--such as '-er,' '-or' or 'air' sounds. And there is no doubt about it--they can be some of the trickiest sounds to master.

You are not alone in your persistent trouble with /r/. Your difficulty might involve hearing the fine-tuned differences between great and so-so 'r' sounds, or in adjusting the precise tongue shape and position for the sounds, or some of each. You need an expert to help you with this. It is not something you can learn from a written description, and if t was going to clear up by itself, then that would have happened by now.

A speech/language pathologist experienced with /r/ will analyze what you can do and what is difficult for you to do, and construct a program that is taylor-made to improve your ‘r’ sounds. Once you can say a new ‘r’ in a particular word, you need to make it your new habit. This requires a lot of repetition, and as soon as you can, the decision to use the word--the new way--in your conversation.

As an adult you can take responsibility for extensive rehearsal of each new step you learn, to make the best use of the guidance you receive.

Best Wishes,
Ruth Alice Jurey, M.S., C.C.C.
Speech/Language Pathologist