What are dysfluencies in speech?

Dysfluencies in speech refer specifically to interruptions in the natural flow of speech. This can manifest as repetitions of sounds or words, prolongations of sounds, or pauses that disrupt the smooth delivery of speech. These interruptions can often be a sign of speech disorders such as stuttering, where an individual may struggle to maintain a fluid speech pattern.

While excessive pauses in conversation might seem related to dysfluency, they do not fully encapsulate the broader category of interruptions in speech flow. Mispronunciations of words are typically related to articulation issues, and changes in voice pitch pertain to vocal quality or prosody rather than fluency. Hence, the focus on interruptions in speech flow is what defines dysfluencies accurately.