bodur25@interspeech_2025@ISCA

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#1 Speech Reduction in French: The Relationship Between Vowel Space and Articulation Dynamics [PDF] [Copy] [Kimi] [REL]

Authors: Kübra Bodur, Corinne Fredouille, Christine Meunier

Reduction is an inherent characteristic of conversations, reflecting the dynamic adaptability of language. This study examined the link between vowel space and non-lexicalized reductions (NLR) in spontaneous French speech. The hypothesis posited that speakers with smaller vowel spaces - indicating centralized, less distinct vowels - would produce more NLR, defined as temporally compressed speech zones. Results showed that smaller vowel space (pVSA) predicted greater NLR only when articulation rate was considered, highlighting an interaction between spatial and temporal speech dynamics. Articulation rate was the strongest predictor, supporting theories that link faster speech to reduced articulatory precision. Vowel Distinctiveness Index (VDI) did not significantly predict NLR, suggesting it reflects broader systemic patterns rather than local reductions. These findings emphasized the interplay of temporal dynamics and individual articulation strategies in shaping reduction in speech.

Subject: INTERSPEECH.2025 - Others