Examining the Intelligibility Differences Between Two Types of Clear Speech
Open Access
Author:
Hoorfar, Emma
Area of Honors:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Anne J Olmstead, Thesis Supervisor Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
clear speech intelligbility focal adjustments global adjustments baseline speech
Abstract:
This study investigates the intelligibility differences between global and focal clear speech adjustments in comparison to baseline or conversation speech. The objective is to determine what adjustments need to be made for individuals with speech disorders to produce intelligible and effective speech. Clear speech is a style of speaking where words are longer, articulatory precision is greater, and speaking rate is slower than conversational speech (Picheny et al. 1986). Clear speech represents a style of speech that supports better understanding than other speech. These adjustments are beneficial for many individuals, specifically those with conditions like dysarthria secondary to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Lee et al., 2019). The current study recruited listeners through Prolific to listen to recordings of 9 different words produced by 12 talkers embedded in speech-shaped noise. Through conducting this study, we can understand what perceptual qualities contribute to higher intelligibility rates of clear speech while also considering factors such as vocal fatigue. This research study can help further speech recognition technologies, speech therapy practices, and contribute to overall effective and efficient communication.
