Preliminary analysis of training non-native sounds in noise
Hinako Masuda · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2016
Past research has repeatedly shown that perceiving speech in non-laboratory environments is challenging for both native and non-native listeners, even if they are able to perform well in laboratory (quiet) environment. However, whether the challenge of non-native listeners’ perception of non-native sounds in noise can be overcome with training has not been fully investigated. The present study reports preliminary analysis of training Japanese learners of English, focusing on the identification of English voiceless fricatives and approximants in multispeaker babble noise, as Japanese learners of English are well-known for having difficulty in accurate perception of such sounds (e.g., Lambacher et al., 2001; Masuda 2016 among others), especially in noisy listening environments. The experiment consists of three sessions: 1) pre-test, 2) training sessions in noise, and 3) post-test. Identification rates of 1) pre- and 3) post-tests will be compared to investigate the effect of 2) training in noise. The effect of English learning experience will also be discussed.