Articulation rate and its variability in spontaneous speech: a reanalysis and some implications

Area of Science:

• Speech Science
• Linguistics
• Phonetics

Background:

• Conversational speech rate exhibits significant variability.
• Previous research attributed this primarily to changes in pausing, not articulation rate.
• The role of articulation rate in speech timing remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine the contribution of articulation rate to speech rate variation.
• To investigate whether articulation rate changes occur within single utterances.
• To assess the impact of these findings on speech perception and planning models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a modified measurement procedure for speech data analysis.
• Analyzed speech recordings from 30 participants in an interview setting.
• Focused on quantifying articulation rate variations within and across utterances.

Main Results:

• Contrary to prior assumptions, substantial variation in articulation rate was observed.
• Articulation rate varied significantly even within single utterances of individual speakers.
• The findings challenge the notion that pausing is the sole driver of speech rate changes.

Conclusions:

• Articulation rate plays a more significant role in speech timing variability than previously thought.
• These findings necessitate revisions to theories of segmental perception.
• Models of speech planning require re-evaluation to incorporate dynamic articulation rate changes.