Experiment in Non Word Repetition by Monolingual Arabic Preschoolers

Abstract

The paper attempted to check childrenʼs phonological memory and phonological awareness by asking them to repeat various non-words. A non word repetition experiment was conducted, using 30 non words which ranged from 2 to 4 syllables. Half of the non words were target-like and half were non target-like. Subjects were asked to repeat the non words as accurately as they could. Results showed that long non words were repeated more erroneously than short non words. In addition, word-likeness influenced the accuracy of repetition; where non words with high word likeness taxed more errors by children. A note was provided on specific items and individuals which triggered more errors than others.