Guided Practice Script

Hey! Let’s learn the /v/ sound—like in van! First, watch me (my turn): “vvvv”. Now it’s your turn! Can you say “vvv”? [1]

Okay now make sure you put your top teeth softly on your bottom lip. Don’t bite too hard! Now turn your voice on and let it hum: “vvv”. [2]

Let’s see if your voice is on. Place your hand on your throat right here (place hand on mid throat). Do you feel that buzzing right there? That means you are using your voice! Now let’s try some words! I’ll go first and you repeat them back to me: van, very, five. [3]

Let’s see if a helping sound can make this easier. Try saying “fff” with your hand on your throat. See how your throat is not buzzing anymore? Now turn your voice on and say “vvv”. We can try some more words now! Say “fff…van” now try “van.” Try “fff…vine” now say “vine.” Okay last one try “fff…vote” now say “vote.” [4]

Great job! Remember to keep your teeth on your bottom lip and keep your buzzy voice!

Target Techniques and Considerations

Techniques in the Script

1. Modeling
2. Phonetic Placement
3. Verbal instruction using a metaphor
4. Facilitating contexts

Common /v/ Sound Errors

• /b/ is often substituted for /v/, likely due to difficulty coordinating teeth-to-lip placement with continuous airflow.
• /f/ is often substituted for /v/, likely due to difficulty turning voice on (voicing error).

Accent or Dialect Variation

• Spanish does not have a true /v/ sound, so speakers may use /b/ or sometimes /f/ instead.
  • For example, “very” may be produced closer to “berry” or “ferry”.
• In some regional or second-language influenced speech patterns, /v/ may be produced as /f/ due to differences in how voiced sounds are used.
  • For example, “have” may be pronounced as “haf”.