What term is used when a sound is produced but not articulated correctly, such as a lisp?

The term that describes a sound being produced but not articulated correctly, such as a lisp, is referred to as "distortions." In speech-language pathology, distortions entail a deviation from the expected pronunciation of sounds, where the individual may produce a sound in an imprecise manner. This can manifest in various ways, such as altering the quality of the sound or the placement of the articulators, leading to an unclear or incorrect articulation.

Understanding distortions is essential because they reflect specific challenges in speech production that may require targeted interventions. For example, a lisp occurs when the tongue is positioned incorrectly, which changes how sibilant sounds like "s" or "z" are articulated. Recognizing distortions helps educators and speech-language pathologists develop appropriate strategies to support students’ speech clarity and overall communication skills.