Speech

[hopalong]

I have a slight speech problem. I am unable to pronounce the letter 'L' and it comes out as an 'R' Black comes out as brack long becomes rong.  What is the correct term for this?

[Corkyb]

It's called a speach impediment, and is to do with the way you are able to form letters with your mouth and tongue. (Jonathon Ross can't say the letter R, it comes out as W)

If you are finding this embarrassing or people make fun of it (as was done here), why not have a word with your Doctor. S/he may suggest you have speach therapy, which could help eleviate the problem.

 

Good luck

[londondave]

a friend at school got his L & Ys muddled so yesterday would come out as lesterday and yellow would be lellow. lorry would be yorry and so on

[Octavius]

It sounds like you may have a mild form of ankyloglossy which is the medical term for 'tongue-tied'.  It basically means that your tongue may be too short to connect with the upper palate to make the correct sound.  This is quite common in children, and although can be corrected by surgery, is more often treated with exercises or is overcome by natural personal development.

 

http://experts.about.com/q/987/1909613.htm

[wonky]

My tutor used to say R's instead of L's and i could always understand her and think it made her sound a bit exotic and different, but obviously if you do find it a problem then i would seek medical advice as im sure they will be able to help!!

xx