Soundscape analysis standardization, a proposed lexicon of descriptors for local expert interviews.

Abstract

Soundscape analysis is a powerful technique that can be applied to the practical development of quality sonic environments. The combination of physical measurements and the corresponding perceptual responses to a sound climate provides illumination otherwise unavailable to development project designers. Interviews of local experts, residents, and other users of the environment can yield insights into both personal reactions and universal observations. These can include the identification of sound sources of which the project developers were, until then, unaware. The success of a new project may depend on the lessons learned from previous developments. The standardization of interview techniques then becomes increasingly important. Can a standard lexicon of terms for local expert interviews be developed? The answer to this open question is informed by the contributions of psychoacoustic and perceptual evaluations the subtleties of linguistics, the circumstances of the environment under observation, and the persons involved. An interview questionnaire lexicon of descriptors for field use is proposed, based on the experiences of recent project interviews, the results of ASA soundscape workshops, and other sources.