Authors:

Aastha Rasesh Patel

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

Speech perception is influenced by the physics of sound waves, specifically how the human auditory system processes frequency components and resonance patterns. This study examines how native speakers of the world's ten most spoken languages (Hindi, Urdu, English, French, Bengali, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Russian) differ in their ability to detect differences in vowel sounds. Through an online hearing test, participants identify whether pairs of synthesized vowels with slight frequency shifts sound the same or different. Building upon this foundation, this study now extends to examine different English dialects to further enhance understanding of how dialectal variations affect language perception. Just Noticeable Differences (JNDs) in formant perception are analyzed to determine whether speakers of languages and dialects with larger vowel inventories exhibit more refined discrimination abilities than those with fewer vowels. Concurrent with this research, a kinesthetic language learning application is being developed utilizing live video feeds to provide learners with audio descriptions and interpretations of their surroundings in their target language, with optional captions. The audio frequency is initially set for easy perception based on their language history and gradually adjusts toward colloquial limits as users accumulate practice hours, creating an adaptive learning environment. This research provides insights into how native languages affect auditory perception, speech processing, and second language learning. Keywords: [no keywords provided]

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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Co-authors:

Aastha Rasesh Patel