Classification of vowel productions by means of perceptual target zones: A response to Ladefoged and Studdert-Kennedy
James D. Miller · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1987
In discussion of my paper [Miller, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Suppl. 81, S16 (1987)] at the 113th Meeting, Dr. Ladefoged and Dr. Studdert-Kennedy requested specific numbers regarding percent correct classifications of vowel productions achievable through use of the auditory-perceptual theory and its perceptual target zones (PTZs). At the time of the 113th Meeting, the estimated shapes and locations of the PTZs were very preliminary and represented only a second iteration (I2). The percents correct for the I2 zones were moderate (50%–95%). Based on reconsideration of older data and on numerous new measurements made in our laboratory, a new set of PTZs is being developed for the vowels. These represent the third iteration or I3 zones. The I3 zones will be presented and percentages of correct classifications for several data sets will be reported. Issues involved in developing decisive tests of the perceptual target zones will be discussed. [Supported by NINCDS and AFOSR.]