Sound Inventories Research Articles

The Articulatory and Acoustic Representation of Second-Language French Vowels.

This study examines how L1 English-L2 French learners use L1 articulatory and acoustic categories to produce L2 vowels that are both similar to and different from their L1 vowels. Previous studies examining the relationship between L1 and L2 sound inventories have found that learners reuse L1 phone categories to produce L2 phones that are perceived as similar, but importantly, there is a lack of articulatory data included in these types of studies, which has reinforced the assumption that vowel categories can be solely represented by their acoustic properties. The present study uses ultrasound tongue imaging data and videos of lip rounding in addition to acoustic data to examine how L1 English-L2 French learners produce the French vowels /i y u e ø o/ compared with their English vowels /i u e o/. The results focus on individual paths to category formation to show how learners articulate L2 vowels, and reveal that they tend to reuse L1 tongue body gestures to produce the French vowels /i u e o/, and lip rounding gestures to produce the round vowels /y u o/. This study demonstrates that transfer of articulatory gestures depends on vowel quality and emphasizes the importance of using articulatory data to inform theories of L2 category formation.

Learning the sound inventory of a complex vocal skill via an intrinsic reward.

Reinforcement learning (RL) is thought to underlie the acquisition of vocal skills like birdsong and speech, where sounding like one's "tutor" is rewarding. However, what RL strategy generates the rich sound inventories for song or speech? We find that the standard actor-critic model of birdsong learning fails to explain juvenile zebra finches' efficient learning of multiple syllables. However, when we replace a single actor with multiple independent actors that jointly maximize a common intrinsic reward, then birds' empirical learning trajectories are accurately reproduced. The influence of each actor (syllable) on the magnitude of global reward is competitively determined by its acoustic similarity to target syllables. This leads to each actor matching the target it is closest to and, occasionally, to the competitive exclusion of an actor from the learning process (i.e., the learned song). We propose that a competitive-cooperative multi-actor RL (MARL) algorithm is key for the efficient learning of the action inventory of a complex skill.

Refining explanation in Evolutionary Phonology: macro-typologies and targeted typologies in action

AbstractIn this paper, we highlight the role of typology in providing an empirical basis for explanation within Evolutionary Phonology with a focus on rare sound patterns and extra-phonetic explanation. Broad typological surveys of sound patterns or macro-typologies that include phonetic detail may, at once, support universal tendencies and document rare sound patterns, offering arguments for theories in which universal tendencies based on phonetic explanation are emergent properties of markedness-free grammars. However, in order to explain rarity and explore extra-phonetic factors, targeted typologies, narrowed by specific structural properties or contact histories, may be necessary. In this study, the complementary roles of broad and targeted typologies are illustrated through recent case studies of three basic components of phonological systems—sound inventories, alternations, and phonotactics—, with a focus on non-phonetic explanations that have enhanced the predictive power of the Evolutionary framework.

Markedness and voicing gaps in stop and fricative inventories

Abstract This study investigates the hypothesis that marked sounds are more likely to be gaps in a sound inventory. A gap is defined as an absence of an [α voice] stop or fricative when the [−α voice] counterpart exists. Different formulations of markedness are tested and evaluated on whether they label the gaps as more marked than attested sounds. Results show an overall success of markedness based on typological attestedness of sounds in labeling gaps as more marked. However, the success of markedness based on aerodynamics and cross-linguistic phonological processes is limited to stops and fricatives, respectively. Analyses also show that gaps in attested inventories are more likely to be marked than gaps from randomized artificial inventories. This discrepancy between attested and artificial inventories shows how markedness, feature economy, and symmetry interact in shaping sound systems of human languages.

Lexical Acquisition and Phonological Development in Minimally Verbal Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This study examines two components of lexical acquisition and phonological development that occur during the first 50-word stage of language development in neurotypical (NT) children. One component is how children learn words based on their existing speech sound inventories (i.e., in-phonology and out-of-phonology word learning). The other component is the relationship between the children's number of words and the number of phonemes in their speech sound inventories. The goal of this study is to determine if the same two components occur in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) who are older than their NT peers but are in the same stage of lexical development. This study involved 20 minimally verbal children with ASDs, ages 28-72 months, who produced five to 50 spoken words. The children's spoken words were obtained from the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories. The speech sound inventories were obtained from the utterances produced during assessment/play sessions with the children. The children's spoken words from the Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) were categorized as either in-phonology or out-of-phonology based on whether the words began with a phoneme in the child's existing speech sound inventory. Additionally, the children's number of spoken words on the CDI was compared to the number of phonemes in their speech sound inventories. The children in this study produced in-phonology words more often than out-of-phonology words (z = -3.922; p < .001). Moreover, there was a moderate positive correlation between the children's number of spoken words and the number of phonemes in their speech sound inventories (r = .534, p = .019). The relationship between lexical acquisition and phonological development appears to exist for the children in this study, who are in the first 50-word stage of development. Clinical implications for increasing the expressive language of children with ASDs were discussed.

The Phonological System of TumɁi

As part of a linguistic research team I recorded a Khoisan language currently spoken by three people in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Since the variety of language spoken in this location is close to varieties of both the Khoekhoe and Tuu language families, the question of genetic affiliation and classification within the Khoisan language cluster becomes significant. Although reported to have significant lexical similarities due to intensive language contact (Güldemann 2006), extensive research provides evidence of numerous linguistic differences which distinguish between the varieties within the Khoisan families mentioned above (Beach 1938, Bleek 1930, Ladefoged &amp; Traill 1994, Miller, Brugman, Sands, Namaseb, Exter &amp; Collins 2007). Overall, this project attempts to answer the question: How unique is this undocumented language TumɁi in comparison to varieties of geographically neighbouring Khoisan language clusters? This comparative analysis is comprised of a detailed description of the vowel and consonant systems, as well as evidence of phonetic and phonological contrasts. The clear focus on the analysis of sound contrasts is a consequence of limited data due to speaker competence. As a result of intense incomplete acquisition and linguistic attrition, the consultants produce utterances using Khoisan content words within an Afrikaans framework (Killian 2009). Specific research questions include: What is the sound inventory of this language? Are there phonation or glottalization contrasts in vowels? Are there laryngeal contrasts in consonants? What kinds of clicks make up the inventory? This project is a direct effort toward the revitalization and documentation of indigenous languages. Determining the genetic affiliations of this language which is positioned relatively equidistant to the surrounding languages, would also contribute to gaps within the linguistic isoglosses in South Africa.

Korean Learners' Production of English Consonant Clusters with an Onset Liquid

This study examined Korean learners’ production of intervocalic English biconsonantal clusters consisting of /p/, /t/, /k/, /m/, /n/, or /□/ followed by /l/ or /□/. The results of the production experiment showed several factors influencing Korean learners’ production. First, Korean learners’ production was influenced by their L1 sound inventory. The mispronunciation of a liquid (i.e., /l/ as [□] and /□/ as [l]) was observed and this will be due to the fact that [l] and [□] are not contrastive in Korean. Second, L1 phonological rules affecting a post-consonantal onset liquid influenced Korean learners’ production of English consonant clusters containing a liquid. The cluster /tl/ was mostly pronounced as [ll] and /nl/ as [ll] or [nn]. In addition, the nasalization of a stop consonant before a liquid was attested. Next, Korean learners’ production also exhibited the influence of phonetic similarity between the two members of a cluster by illustrating relatively lower production accuracy for /tl/, /t□/, and /nl/ consisting of two alveolar consonants. Finally, familiarity with the test words seemed to be a factor influencing Korean learners’ production. Korean learners illustrated relatively lower production accuracy for the words outlet and online which are frequently used as loanwords in Korea.

Reflections of Russian dialect geography in Djorža Karelian

Can we pinpoint an Eastern Finnic dialect on the map, based exclusively on the Russian influence in its phonology and grammar? How precisely do differences between Russian (sub-)dialects manifest themselves in Eastern Finnic? Due to its unique location, far from its relatives, and its contacts with different Russian dialects, Djorža Karelian is a promising tool for answering these questions. We explore the distribution of three phonological features in Djorža Karelian vocabulary borrowed from Russian; all of them correspond to isoglosses on the Russian dialect map. In addition, we also shortly examine one syntactic feature in this Karelian variety: the distribution of two borrowed conjunctions with similar meaning and North-South divide in Russian dialects. We conclude that phonology is not the best detector of contact between non-cognate dialects, because of the small sound inventories of the contact varieties and the problems in distinguishing externally driven change from internally driven change. Syntax seems to be a better diagnostic for contact between non-cognate dialects, because of its complex relationship with meaning. We go on to demonstrate how syntactic evidence from a non-Slavic variety can also be suggestive for the occurrence of linguistic phenomena in Russian dialects.

A systematic review of early speech interventions for children with cleft palate.

Children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) are at high risk of problems with early speech sound production, and these difficulties can persist into later childhood. Early intervention could help to reduce the number of children whose problems become persistent. However, much research in the field to date has focused on older children. There is a need to determine if providing intervention during the phase of early typical speech development leads to better outcomes. To review the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions targeting speech, delivered in the first 3 years of life for children with CP±L, and discuss factors such as intervention type, facilitator, dosage, outcome measures and the age of the child. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019121964). Eight bibliographic databases including CINAHL and MEDLINE were searched in August 2018. Studies were included if participants received speech and language interventions before 37 months and if they reported outcomes for speech. Two reviewers independently completed inclusion reviews, quality analysis and data extraction. The review included seven papers: one pilot randomized controlled trial, one controlled trial, four cohort studies and one case series report. Interventions largely took a naturalistic approach, namely focused stimulation and milieu teaching. The findings provide preliminary support for naturalistic interventions and suggest that these interventions can be delivered by parents with suitable training. Studies included in the review provided low-strength evidence with variation in both the type of intervention, the manner of delivery and in the risk of bias in the designs used. The papers included in this review suggest that early naturalistic interventions can have positive impacts on the speech development of children with CP±L. However, the reported methodological quality of the publications overall was weak, and the current evidence lacks clarity and specificity in terms of therapy technique, delivery and optimum age of delivery. Future research should use more robust methodological designs to determine whether early speech interventions are beneficial for children born with CP±L. What is already known on the subject Children with CP±L show difficulties with early speech development and often have restricted speech sound inventories. They may reach the canonical babbling stage later than children without CP±L and studies have shown that 20% of children with CP±L have speech which is considered unintelligible or barely intelligible at age 5. It has been proposed that early intervention can lessen the impact of CP±L on speech development. However, currently, the evidence for early interventions for children with CP±L is limited, with the majority of studies focusing on children aged 3 years and older. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This paper reviews the evidence for different types of early interventions for speech provided to children born with CP±L and whether these interventions are effective in supporting speech sound development. In this review, early intervention is defined as intervention provided to children in the first 3 years of life. This review describes intervention approaches and how they are delivered for this population. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? In the UK, children born with CP±L and their families are supported by National Health Service (NHS) services over a 20-year period and speech and language therapy sessions may take place over many weeks and months. If providing early intervention in the first 3 years of life is effective, there is the potential for improved speech outcomes in early childhood and a reduced burden of care on children, families and services. This review considers the evidence for early speech intervention for children with CP±L in the first 3 years of life and identifies areas for future research.

Corrigendum: The Language of Gángan, a Yorùbá Talking Drum

In the original article, there was an error. To conclude, Yorùbá drummers communicate via the gángan 4 drum by transposing certain and maybe phonological conditions of their language to musical forms.A correction has been made to Abstract: 6To conclude, Yorùbá drummers communicate via the gángan drum by transposing certain 7 phonemic features and maybe phonological conditions of their language to musical forms.The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the 9 article in any way. The original article has been updated.In the original article, there was an error. For example, the pitch of H in /bájÓ/ 'Báyò . (a name)' is 12 higher than that of H in /bájO/ "exit through", and the pitch value of L inìlú "city" is lower than 13 that of L in /ìlú/ "puncher".A correction has been made to Background on Yorùbá Sound Inventory, Tone in Speech, 2:15 For example, the pitch of H in /bájÒ/ "Báyò . (a name)" is higher than that of H in /bájO/ "exit 16 through", and the pitch value of L in /ìlú/ "city" is lower than that of L in /ìlu/ "puncher".The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the 18 article in any way. The original article has been updated.

Phonetic fusion in Chinese conversational speech

AbstractThis paper presents a corpus-based perspective on the phonetic fusion of disyllabic words in a Chinese conversational speech corpus. Four categorical types that reflect the phonological features of reduction degrees are automatically derived from gradient, acoustic properties. A transcription experiment is conducted with the most common disyllabic words. Both automatic derivation by acoustic signals and human transcription by perceptual judgment refer to the same sound inventory. We have shown that the complete form of fusion occurring in conversation need not be legitimate syllables and it appears consistently in the form of syllable merger that represents a group of phonetic variants.

The typologically rare approximant inventory of Kajkwakhrattxi: A series of natural sound changes

Kajkwakhrattxi, a Northern Jê language spoken by fewer than 30 elders in Mato Grosso, Brazil, exhibits a typologically rare sound inventory, especially with respect to its series of approximants: /w, w̃, ʍ, ɽ, ɽ̃, j/, realized as a total of 17 different surface allophones: [w, w̃͡w, w̃, ʍ, ɥ, ɥ̃͡ɥ, ɥ̃, ɥ̊, ɾ, ɾ̃, ɽ, ɽ̃, ɻ, ɻ̃, ɻ̊, j, j̃]. We propose a novel reconstruction of Proto-Northern-Jê that accounts for this unusually dense inventory of approximants, namely as the result of a series of natural sound changes involving processes of lenition and assimilation. Our analysis makes use of novel fieldwork data on three underdocumented and endangered languages of the family: Kajkwakhrattxi, Panãra, and Kayapô. As a result, our reconstruction is based on a more phonetically detailed and internally coherent data set than was available to previous comparative work on Jê languages. Our results provide evidence for the possible breadth of diversity in the phonological systems of natural languages, both synchronically and diachronically, and advances our knowledge of the sound changes that occurred from Proto-Northern-Jê to its daughter languages.

Formal Syntax and Deep History.

We show that, contrary to long-standing assumptions, syntactic traits, modeled here within the generative biolinguistic framework, provide insights into deep-time language history. To support this claim, we have encoded the diversity of nominal structures using 94 universally definable binary parameters, set in 69 languages spanning across up to 13 traditionally irreducible Eurasian families. We found a phylogenetic signal that distinguishes all such families and matches the family-internal tree topologies that are safely established through classical etymological methods and datasets. We have retrieved “near-perfect” phylogenies, which are essentially immune to homoplastic disruption and only moderately influenced by horizontal convergence, two factors that instead severely affect more externalized linguistic features, like sound inventories. This result allows us to draw some preliminary inferences about plausible/implausible cross-family classifications; it also provides a new source of evidence for testing the representation of diversity in syntactic theories.

A Comparative Study of English and Javanese Sound Inventories

This essay aims at comparing and contrasting the English and Javanese with respect to the sound inventories completed. Based on Maddieson’s research (cited in Aronoff &amp; Ress-Miller 2003, p. 183) there are between six and 95 consonants and between three and 46 vowels in a language. While English has 24 consonants and 12 vowels (Fromkin et al. 2008, p. 216) and Javanese has 23 consonants and 6 vowels (Ager 2009; Wedhawati &amp; Arifin 2006, p. 65). In sum, the sound the English and Javanese inventories are both similar and different in several respects to how their consonants and vowels are produced and where in the mouth they are produced. Additionally, by comparing two languages, it can be seen that some sounds exist in one language but does not exist in another.Â

LAUGHTER IN WRITTEN SERBIAN LANGUAGE

Laughter is an expression of a person's mood. It belongs to the vocal articulation in humans. In literature (and in dictionaries) sometimes this manner of articulation needs to be depicted in words. Different languages have different inventories of sounds which evoke laughter in written language. In this paper, we discuss the inventory of sounds by which laughter is represented in writing in the Serbian language. Data were compiled from published dictionaries and literary works, and some were obtained through a survey. The data were analyzed to compile the inventory of this function and to record spelling practices and nuances in transcribing various forms of laughter (loud, silent, etc.).

IN SEARCH OF SILENCE – SOUND AS A TOURIST VALUE OF MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAILS

Purpose. The aim of this work was to assess the sound landscape of two popular mountain trails located in often visited mountain regions – Gorce (the route to Turbacz) and the Beskid Wyspowy (the route to Luboń Wielki). The work focuses on relations between tourists and the soundscape. More and more often, searching for resting places, tourists choose quiet and peaceful places. On the one hand, they allow for relaxation and regeneration, while on the other, they allow for acquainting and understanding the surrounding nature better. Silence in terms of the ability to hear the most subtle sounds of nature, should be promoted as the basic tourist value of a given place. One cannot forget about the characteristic sounds of cultural origin that determine the spirit of a place. Methods. The usefulness of mountainous regions to create quiet and peaceful places suitable for rest and to promote these places as a tourist value was assessed. On the other hand, research has highlighted the impact of excessive tourism pressure on landscape and nature. During the research, the sound level and the inventory of characteristic sounds were measured. Findings. In the analysed period, both routes were characterised by high naturalness – the sounds of natural origin prevailed. The pressure caused by tourism was not very visible, as could be seen in the high activity of birds and small mammals, and in the possibility of hearing the subtle sounds of nature. In spring, on weekdays, such areas can be good places for rest and relaxation for residents of large urban agglomerations. However, the seasonality of tourist traffic also affects changes in the sound sphere of these places. Research and conclusions limitations. The research concerns only one season of the year (late spring) and weekdays. It is necessary to carry out this type of research at different times of the year and at the weekend to show the variability of this parameter in time and space. Practical implications. Research indicates noise hazards resulting from tourist traffic on the trails, but contrarily, it indicates the possibilities of using the sound landscape to promote tourist areas of the Polish mountains. Originality. In the literature on tourism and anthropopressure, there are relatively few reports regarding the acoustic sphere of mountain tourist areas and mutual relations between the sound landscape and terrain users. Type of paper. An article presenting the results of empirical research.

Cross-cultural adaptation, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and feasibility of the German version of the evidence-based practice inventory

BackgroundA psychometrically robust measurement instrument is prerequisite to tailor and monitor interventions aiming to improve evidence-based practice (EBP). The recently developed “Evidence-based Practice Inventory” (EBPI) questionnaire (five dimensions) provides a sound inventory for a comprehensive assessment of adherence to EBP, and identification of barriers and facilitators for EBP. The aims of this study were to establish a German language version of the EBPI and to examine the instrument’s reliability in a diverse sample of healthcare professionals.MethodsThe English version of the EBPI was translated, adopted and subsequently test-retest reliability of the German language EBPI was examined in a nationwide online survey. Participants working in Germany were invited to complete the questionnaire twice.For each EBPI dimension, internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) and the relative test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) were calculated. The standard error of measurement, limits of agreement and minimal detectable change values were estimated to quantify measurement error.ResultsA German language version of the EBPI was established. In the online survey, the EBPI was initially completed by 889 healthcare professionals. At follow-up, 344 individuals (39%) completed the questionnaire (74% female; mean work experience: 13.6 years).The ICCs for the five dimensions varied between 0.78 and 0.86. The standard error of measurement varied between 6.5 and 8.8% of the respective dimension scale range, and the limits of agreement between 24 and 37%. For internal consistency reliability, alpha varied between 0.64 and 0.90. There were neither floor nor ceiling effects, nor any other relevant feasibility issues.ConclusionsThe German language EBPI can be used to assess EBP adherence of healthcare professionals in clinical practice, and to identify barriers and facilitators for an EBP conform behaviour. Results on test-retest reliability indicate that the EBPI produces reliable scores when used for group comparisons, but the questionnaire seems insufficiently reliable for individual measurements over time. Methods of item response theory or Rasch measurement theory should be used for further evaluation and revision of the EBPI, informed by the results of this study.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013792). Registered 19 January 2018.

A cross-linguistic database of phonetic transcription systems

AbstractContrary to what non-practitioners might expect, the systems of phonetic notation used by linguists are highly idiosyncratic. Not only do various linguistic subfields disagree on the specific symbols they use to denote the speech sounds of languages, but also in large databases of sound inventories considerable variation can be found. Inspired by recent efforts to link cross-linguistic data with help of reference catalogues (Glottolog, Concepticon) across different resources, we present initial efforts to link different phonetic notation systems to a catalogue of speech sounds. This is achieved with the help of a database accompanied by a software framework that uses a limited but easily extendable set of non-binary feature values to allow for quick and convenient registration of different transcription systems, while at the same time linking to additional datasets with restricted inventories. Linking different transcription systems enables us to conveniently translate between different phonetic transcription systems, while linking sounds to databases allows users quick access to various kinds of metadata, including feature values, statistics on phoneme inventories, and information on prosody and sound classes. In order to prove the feasibility of this enterprise, we supplement an initial version of our cross-linguistic database of phonetic transcription systems (CLTS), which currently registers five transcription systems and links to fifteen datasets, as well as a web application, which permits users to conveniently test the power of the automatic translation across transcription systems.

Linguistic Prehistory and Identity in Nigeria’s Bini-Ife Pre-eminence Contestation

On the basis of genetic classification, Edoid (of the Bini people of Nigeria) is conceivedas an offshoot of Benue-Congo earlier than Yoruboid (of the Ife people of Nigeria).However, the reverse is the case when viewed from the sociolinguistic platforms ofpopulation, prestige and power. Thus, in 2004, the Edoid patriarch of Bini launcheda biography, wherein he narrated the Bini origin of the Ife monarchy. This sparked abarrage of unguarded responses from both sides of the controversy, largely centredon different interpretations to oral tradition. By exploring language as custodian ofprehistory, this paper makes a linguistic contribution to the continuing debate aboutwhich predates the other between Ife (Yoruboid) and Bini (Edoid) of southwesternNigeria. It pieces together evidence of cognate lexical simplification, patterns ofcognate counting systems, sound inventory, and decadence of vowel harmony, whichsupport the chronological pre-eminence of Edoid over Yoruboid; thus, calling forarchaeological, anthropological and geographical inspection.

Phonetics, psycholinguistics, and language-specificity

How does linguistic knowledge influence speech production, perception, and learning? In this presentation, I will review three sources of empirical evidence for language specificity in some of the most basic processes of speech communication. Each line of evidence will highlight the contributions of the remarkable Jongman-Sereno collaboration—the honorees of this special session—and their continuing influence on generations of students. First, we will consider language specific phonetics as it relates to the acoustic details of speech categories across languages with different sound inventories, including Modern Greek, German, English, and Spanish. Second, we will examine the influence of language background on speech perception through comparisons of pitch perception by speakers of languages with and without lexical tone. Finally, we will focus on speech training in adults when presented with novel speech patterns, asking in particular how general learning principles interact with language-specificity for perceptual adaptation to second-language or foreign-accented speech. In each of these domains—production, perception, and learning—we will see the expanding circles of interaction amongst Jongman, Sereno, and their many students and colleagues. Critically, these Jongman-Sereno contributions underscore the importance of cross-language comparison coupled with a highly collaborative research approach for understanding speech processing and learning.