Soundscape workshop report: Perception Lexicon

Abstract

A workshop was held at the 164th Meeting of the ASA in Kansas City on methodology standardization for the advancement of the developing field of soundscape measurement, analysis and design. The workshop focused on the terminology lexicon used for soundscape subject interviews. Interviews of local experts, residents and other users and inhabitants of the sonic environment can yield insights into both personal reactions and universal observations. The specific terminology used in this process may significantly affect the outcomes. As the success of a new research or development project can depend on the lessons learned from previous projects, the standardization of interview techniques becomes increasingly important. Workshop participants were invited to develop a standardized lexicon of descriptors for field use in interview questionnaires. After a review of soundscape objectives and procedures, the participants reviewed key issues and assessed available lexicon term types. The group then proposed, developed and prioritized terms which could describe a soundscape as it is contextually perceived by an interview subject. Two key conditions were considered for each proposed lexicon term: would the term be commonly understood, and would the term describe a reaction to the soundscape of sufficiently notable intensity. The results of the workshop are presented.