An instance-based model of Japanese speech recognition by native and non-native listeners

Abstract

Japanese has a short and long segment contrast (oji-san versus ojii-san, kita versus kitta, and kana versus kanna). Previous research has shown that this durational property is one of the characteristics of moras in Japanese. It has also been reported that Japanese learners generally have difficulty in acquiring this contrast, but after extensive language experience with Japanese, they do learn the contrast. This suggests that the contrasts and similarities are based on remembered instances of linguistic objects in various environments during a lifetime. This paper investigates whether an instance-based approach of speech recognition can replicate performance by native listeners and second language learners of Japanese. An instance-based model was trained with naturally produced utterances of koma spin and komma comma and then tested on a 24-step nasal duration continuum from koma to komma [T. Uchida, doctoral dissertation, Nagoya University (1996)]. The identification function produced by the model was very similar to identification responses produced by native Japanese listeners. Additional simulations trained with utterances produced by English native speakers (e.g., coma, comma) will be reported. These simulations will address the role of linguistic experience in second language acquisition. [Supported by NIDCD R29-016435-06.]