Effect of Fingerspelling Task on Temporal Characteristics and Perceived Naturalness of Speech in Simultaneous Communication

This study investigated the effect of fingerspelling task length on temporal characteristics and perceived naturalness of speech produced during simultaneous communication. Stimulus words at four levels of fingerspelling task length were embedded in a sentence that was spoken and produced with simultaneous communication. Five temporal measures were calculated from acoustic recordings, and perceived speech naturalness was rated by a panel of listeners using a 9-point scale. Results indicated significant differences in temporal measures and naturalness ratings between the speech and simultaneous communication conditions and among levels of fingerspelling task length. Speech produced during simultaneous communication was rated as less natural and demonstrated increased interword interval, diphthong, word, and sentence durations. Regression analysis indicated significant correlations between temporal measures and perceived speech naturalness, and analysis of variance showed significant increases in segmental and interword interval durations and perceived speech unnaturalness as fingerspelling task length increased. These results are discussed in relation to previous findings regarding production and perception characteristics of speech that is altered in temporal parameters by a variety of conditions.

KEY WORDS: sign language, simultaneous communication, speech production, speech naturalness, hearing impairment

Submitted on January 21, 1997
Accepted on June 12, 1997