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Cross-linguistic study of lateral misarticulation using electropalatography
N Suzuki1, M Wakumoto, K Michi
1First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Showa University, Japan.
Summary
This study compared speech sound errors in Japanese and British English speakers. Findings suggest that while individual speech patterns vary, abnormal
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Speech Pathology
- Phonetics
Background:
- Cross-linguistic studies are crucial for understanding speech production.
- Investigating speech sound disorders (SSDs) in different languages aids in identifying universal and language-specific patterns.
- Previous research has highlighted variations in lateralised speech productions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a preliminary cross-linguistic comparison of normal and disordered Japanese and British English speech.
- To investigate lateralised productions of /s/ sounds that are abnormal in both languages.
- To analyze and compare EPG (Electropalatography) and acoustic features of these productions.
Main Methods:
- Collected EPG and acoustic recordings from four Japanese and four British English speakers.
- Classified EPG patterns based on tongue-hard palate constriction (area, location, completeness).
- Analyzed acoustic characteristics, focusing on peak energy frequency.
Main Results:
- Lateralised articulations showed individual speaker variation.
- Japanese and British English productions of abnormal /s/ were broadly similar.
- Acoustically, misarticulations in both languages exhibited lower peak energy frequency compared to normal productions.
Conclusions:
- Despite linguistic differences, abnormal lateralised /s/ productions share acoustic similarities across Japanese and English.
- Individual variability in articulation is a significant factor.
- Further research is needed to explore the implications for speech therapy and phonological theory.