Analysis of Spanish consonant recognition in 8-talker babble

J Acoust Soc Am. 2017 May;141(5):3079. doi: 10.1121/1.4982251.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a closed-set recognition task for 80 Spanish consonant-vowel sounds (16 C × 5 V, spoken by 2 talkers) in 8-talker babble (-6, -2, +2 dB). A ranking of resistance to noise was obtained using the signal detection d' measure, and confusion patterns were analyzed using a graphical method (confusion graphs). The resulting ranking indicated the existence of three resistance groups: (1) high resistance: /ʧ, s, ʝ/; (2) mid resistance: /r, l, m, n/; and (3) low resistance: /t, θ, x, ɡ, b, d, k, f, p/. Confusions involved mostly place of articulation and voicing errors, and occurred especially among consonants in the same resistance group. Three perceptual confusion groups were identified: the three low-energy fricatives (i.e., /f, θ, x/), the six stops (i.e., /p, t, k, b, d, ɡ/), and three consonants with clear formant structure (i.e., /m, n, l/). The factors underlying consonant resistance and confusion patterns are discussed. The results are compared with data from other languages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Audiometry, Speech
  • Comprehension
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Noise / adverse effects*
  • Perceptual Masking*
  • Phonetics*
  • Recognition, Psychology*
  • Speech Acoustics*
  • Speech Intelligibility
  • Speech Perception*
  • Voice Quality*
  • Young Adult