Computational Modeling of Timing Control and its Application to Objective Evaluation of the Second Language Proficiency

Authors: Yoshinori Sagisaka, Hiroaki Kato, Minoru Tsuzaki, Shizuka Nakamura, Chatchawarn Hansakunbuntheung

Abstract:

In this article, we introduce the studies on computational modeling of segmental duration that we have been conducting for decades to find out speech timing control factors and mechanism. In addition, some experimental results are also shown on loudness dependencein duration perception. These duration modeling and perceptual characteristics on duration error sensitivity to loudness give us hints for objective evaluation of the second language (L2) proficiency. Some experimental results are introduced to show the usefulness of duration contrl model and the need for perceptual studies for objective L2 proficiency evaluation.