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Variable pronunciations reveal dynamic intra-speaker variation in speech planning
Oriana Kilbourn-Ceron1, Matthew Goldrick2
1Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, 2016 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA. oriana.kilbourn-ceron@northwestern.edu.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|March 27, 2021
Summary
Speakers adjust pronunciation based on upcoming words, showing flexible speech planning. This advance planning varies moment-to-moment depending on task demands and word accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Phonetics
- Speech Production
Background:
- Speech production involves encoding word forms, including phonetic details.
- Context-specific phonetic variants suggest speakers plan beyond the current word.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between phonetic variation and the scope of advance planning in speech production.
- Determine if speakers plan phonological content of upcoming words during current word encoding.
Main Methods:
- Two speech production experiments were conducted.
- Examined context-sensitive phonetic variants (e.g., /t/ "flapping") in English speakers.
- Manipulated factors influencing advance planning, such as following word frequency and response delay.
Main Results:
- Use of context-sensitive phonetic variants increased under conditions favoring advance planning.
- Increased "flapping" observed with higher frequency following words.
- Response delays led to more "flapping" and attenuated the following word frequency effect.
Conclusions:
- Advance planning in speech production is dynamic and varies continuously.
- The degree of advance planning is influenced by task demands and lexical access.
- Phonological content of upcoming words is integrated into the current planning scope.
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