Interaction between prosody and intelligibility

Abstract

In the lead article, Peppé (2009) provides a clear and detailed overview of prosody as it relates to the field of speech-language pathology, an often marginalized and misunderstood subject. Peppé makes a convincing case as to why speech-language pathologists should take notice of atypical prosody in the speech of their clients and provides an overview of current methods of documentation. Peppé also briefly notes that prosody can affect intelligibility and the purpose of this article is to expand upon this point. This article discusses current research on the effect of prosody on intelligibility in the speech of deaf individuals and individuals with neurological disorders. Research findings on acoustic dimensions of prosody and intelligibility are also examined. Finally, this article presents a case study of a child with highly unintelligible speech due to multiple articulatory errors. The child's appropriate use of intonation is examined in several examples as a possible factor that aids intelligibility. Based on the evidence provided in this case study, it is argued that further research is needed in order to determine what degree prosodic cues facilitate the intelligibility of disordered speech.

“Is voice a marker for Autism spectrum disorder? A systematic review and meta‐analysis”

“…An understanding of vocal production in ASD is important because acoustic abnormalities may play a role in the social‐communicative impairments associated with the disorder [Depape et al, ; Klopfenstein, ]. For example, individuals with ASD have difficulties with the communication of affect [Travis & Sigman, ] – which relies on the production of prosodic cues – leading to negative social judgments on the part of others [Fay & Schuler, ; Paul et al, ; Shriberg et al, ; Van Bourgondien & Woods, ] and in turn social withdrawal and social anxiety [Alden & Taylor, ].…”

Quantifying perturbations in temporal dynamics for automated assessment of spastic dysarthric speech intelligibility

“…Today, the majority of existing blind measures depend on quantifying atypical prosody and parameters such as fundamental frequency (f0) variation and second-formant slope transitions [6]. Recent studies, however, have shown that articulation errors are the major contributing factor to reduced intelligibility in dysarthric speech [7], followed by prosody, voice quality, and nasality.…”

Speech Prosody Across Stimulus Types for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

“…As a result of rigidity of speech musculatures and reduced range of articulatory movements, speech associated with PD is generally characterized by monopitch, inappropriate pitch level, reduced stress, monoloudness, inappropriate silences, short rushes of speech, variable speech rate, harsh and breathy voice qualities [2], all could have direct and/or indirect impact on speech prosody. Impairment in speech prosody not only affects the expression of linguistic intonations and emotions; but is also reported to negatively influence overall intelligibility [3,4], and may thus result in reduced communication efficiency and listeners making negative personality judgement about the speakers [5]. However, only very few studies have explored the effects of impaired speech prosody on intelligibility, indicating that prosody might be the second most impacting factors on speech intelligibility, after articulation [3].…”