Which linguistic challenge indicates a learner's struggle with consonant clusters?

The challenge of struggling with consonant clusters typically manifests as problems with initial consonant blends, which are combinations of two or more consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Learners might find it difficult to articulate these clusters clearly, leading to mispronunciations or omitting certain consonants altogether. For instance, a word like "street" may be pronounced as "sreet," where the initial "tr" blend is simplified or altered, making it challenging for them to produce the correct sound.

Consonant clusters require precise articulation, and when learners are not yet able to effectively coordinate the physical movements needed to produce these groups of sounds, it can result in noticeable speech errors. Understanding this aspect is crucial for teachers, as it informs the strategies they might use to support students in improving their pronunciation and overall communication skills in a second language.