MSA Speech Rhythm Pattern in a Multilingual Setting

Abstract

This study examined variation in rhythm metrics in a multilingual setting by focusing on between-speaker differences. The investigation analyses speech rhythm patterns of segmental durations in the speech of 77 Algerian speakers belonging to three education background classes and three age groups. The experiment focused on speech rhythm variability according to the level of education background of the speakers and the language used in daily life. The gender and age of speakers were also analyzed. Results show that five vocalic rhythm metrics reflect the contrast between long and short vowels that was observed from the acoustic measurements. The statistical analysis reveals that rhythm metrics are sensitive to differences between groups of speakers, such as age and education background. The outcomes show also that the lack of practice of MSA by some speaker groups considerably affects the vowel quantity.