Some Innovations in a Computer Approach to the Analysis of Speech Patterns

Abstract

A procedure is presented which contains a number of innovations in the analysis of temporal characteristics of speech patterns by computer. The computer set-up developed permits the duplication of the source tape as it is being analysed, with beep insertions on the duplicated tape at pause locations. A two-step "throwaway" procedure is introduced to eliminate speech bursts not reaching minimum criterion duration. This may ensure greater accuracy than the one-step procedure normally used. In addition, a method is described for substituting "tone" tapes for "live" recordings to overcome some of the problems associated with the automatized analysis of speech, especially of a spontaneous nature. The procedures are described in the context of a study on simultaneous interpretation, which involves two input sources.