Speech

Tired? We can hear it in your voice #ASA190

Challenging biases about vocal fry #ASA190

He said, she said: Why men and women experience the world differently #ASA190

The birds and the babies: Humans and zebra finches have a similar technique for learning to speak #ASA190

Researchers found that caregivers play a significant role in helping infants learn complex vocalizations, similar to how zebra finches use social feedback to teach their young. The study suggests that both humans and zebra finches rely on social environment to guide low-level temporal foundations of their vocal communication.

AI can give as good as it gets ... or better: The moral dilemma of combative chatbots

A recent study from Lancaster University reveals that AI systems like ChatGPT can learn to mirror human impoliteness, potentially escalating into verbal violence. The research tested ChatGPT's ability to respond to real-life impolite interactions, finding it often produces more impolite behavior than humans.

Does the brain work like an LLM in predicting words? New study spells out a complicated answer

Researchers found that brains consider grammatical constituents when anticipating next words, unlike AI systems which rely on predictive context. The study used magnetoencephalography and behavioral tasks to measure brain activity and word prediction accuracy.

For some Americans, their accent isn’t just related to where they live

Researchers found that men with a 'country' identity showed distinct vowel patterns in their pronunciations, different from those living in neighboring areas. Country identity was more robustly linked to language patterns than travel patterns.

Tool for identifying children at risk of speech disorders

Researchers developed a tool to identify children with red flags for speech disorders, guiding therapy referrals. The study found that developmental speech errors are common in young children, but resolve by seven years, and that some errors take longer to outgrow.

Brainwaves of mothers and children synchronize when playing together – even in an acquired language

Researchers found that brain synchrony between mothers and children is equally strong when playing in the native language or an acquired second language. This suggests that multilingualism can support healthy communication and learning without disrupting the brain-to-brain connection.

Voices of the Victorians analyzed in new research about northern accent development

A new study using Victorian recordings from Lancaster University's archive found strong links between industrial growth and accent evolution in northern England. The Barrow-in-Furness accent developed due to intense population change and mixing, leading to distinct social histories and settlement patterns.

Babies understand verbs at just 10 months, study shows

Researchers have found that babies can detect verb inconsistencies as early as 10 months old, using brain imaging technology. This finding suggests that infants begin to develop an understanding of verbs before they even say their first words.

Study finds that missionaries pull from same language toolkit to describe experiences

A study by University of Connecticut researchers found that missionaries consistently draw on the same language toolkit to describe their experiences abroad and difficulties returning home. They used metaphors, personification of God, and biblical vernacular to make sense of their transitions.

How does stroke influence speech comprehension?

Researchers compared brains of stroke patients with healthy controls to reveal differences in language processing mechanisms. People with verbal speech processing issues from stroke have weaker processing of speech sounds than healthy participants.

AI video translation shows promise but humans still hold the edge

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that AI tools excel at speed and clarity, but human translators remain crucial for tone, cultural nuance, and natural sound. Generative AI can handle parts of video translation, but consumers still notice when something feels off.

Phonetic or morpholexical issues? New study reveals L2 French ambiguity

A new study by Waseda University researchers explores the role of morphological processing in L2 French ambiguity, finding that it plays a significant role in causing speech errors. The study suggests that educators should integrate pronunciation and vocabulary exercises more holistically to help learners overcome hidden ambiguities.

When "hearing" means "understanding": The case of the verb kikoyu in pre-modern Japanese

The verb kikoyu, originally meaning 'to hear', came to represent approximate understanding, then general understanding, and finally conviction. This process reflects cognitive simulation and mental representation transformation.

Innovative strategy trains bilingual clinic staff as dual-role medical interpreters to bridge language gaps in primary care

A new training program equips bilingual staff with medical interpretation skills, increasing qualified interpreter status to 72% among participants. The innovative approach leverages heritage-speaking staff's linguistic and cultural strengths to address the high need for qualified medical interpreters in primary care.

Everyday speech may reveal early signs of brain health changes, Baycrest study shows

A Baycrest study found that subtle features of speech timing, such as pauses and fillers, are linked to executive function and predict cognitive decline. The research uses artificial intelligence to analyze natural speech patterns for early detection of dementia.

New injectable gel shows promise as voice loss treatment

McGill researchers developed a new hydrogel that resisted breakdown for weeks, giving vocal cords a better chance to heal and potentially reducing the need for repeat procedures. The gel is made from natural tissue proteins processed into a powder and converted into a gel using click chemistry.

IQ appears to affect ability to listen in noisy settings

A study of individuals with autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and typical hearing found that cognitive ability significantly impacted successful speech perception in noisy environments. The researchers discovered a highly significant relationship between intellectual ability and multitalker listening challenge scores.

Tracking the evolution of Taylor Swift’s dialect

A team of researchers analyzed Taylor Swift's recorded interviews to study her dialect changes across different eras of her career. They found that she adopted features of the Southern accent when living in Nashville and lowered her voice pitch when moving to New York City, which may have been a strategic move to project authority.

CHEST Is honored with two 2025 Power of Associations Awards

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.

OpenAI, DeepSeek, and Google vary widely in identifying hate speech

A recent study found dramatic differences in how large language models classify hate speech, with significant variations for specific demographic groups. The analysis of seven models revealed that content moderation systems have inconsistent detection accuracy, which can erode trust and create perceptions of bias.

Universal rhythm guides how we speak new study reveals

Researchers found that humans across cultures and languages break their speech into Intonation Units, which follow a low-frequency rhythm of 1.6 seconds. This universal structure plays a critical role in helping listeners follow conversations and absorb information.

A twangy timbre cuts through the noise

Researchers found that twangy female voices were understood more than neutral voices when surrounded by noise. This is due to the higher-pitched nature of twangy speech, which gives it a perceived loudness and reduces masking by low-frequency sounds.

AI reveals language links between Reddit groups for hate speech, psychiatric disorders

Researchers used AI tools to analyze posts from 54 Reddit communities, finding similarities in speech patterns between hate speech groups and communities for certain psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that exposing oneself to hate speech online may lead to decreased empathy and traits similar to Cluster B personality disorders.

Will implantable brain-computer interfaces soon benefit people with motor impairments?

A systematic review identified 112 studies on implantable brain-computer interfaces, which decode brain signals to control devices. The analysis found that iBCI technologies are being used to control robotic prosthetic limbs and digital technologies, but clinical outcomes were highly mixed.

Automatized vocabulary knowledge in predicting speech fluency

A new study by Waseda University researchers suggests that learners need to automatize word meanings in context to achieve fluent speech. By assessing automatized vocabulary knowledge (AVK) and declarative vocabulary knowledge (DVK), the team found AVK to be a stronger predictor of L2 speaking fluency.

HSE linguists study how bilinguals use phrases with numerals in Russian

Researchers analyzed over 4,000 examples of Russian spoken by bilinguals, finding that non-standard numeral constructions are influenced by native languages and frequency of use. Less familiar expressions involving numbers two to four were used in non-standard forms more frequently.

Researcher talks nonsense to ChatGPT to understand how it processes language

Researchers used nonsense words to test ChatGPT's language processing capabilities, finding it excelled at discovering relationships and providing definitions for extinct words. However, the AI also generated incorrect or made-up answers in some cases, highlighting its limitations.

First-of-its-kind technology helps man with ALS ‘speak’ in real time

Researchers at UC Davis developed a brain-computer interface that translates neural activity into speech in real time. The technology allows individuals with ALS to communicate more naturally and inclusively, with 60% of synthesized words intelligible to listeners.

Laying the groundwork to diagnose speech impairments in children with clinical AI #ASA188

Researchers built a data pipeline to train AI tools for childhood speech screening, addressing the lack of representative datasets. The resulting high-quality dataset enables faster and more accurate diagnoses, especially in areas with limited access to specialists.

Dr. Emily DeJeu on using large language models to analyze sensitive discourse

A Carnegie Mellon University researcher critiques an article on large language models' ability to analyze sensitive discourse, including hate speech. The commentary highlights the need for a nuanced approach to human-AI collaboration in critical discourse analysis.

Study reveals promising insights on treatment to improve speech after a stroke

Researchers at the University of Calgary investigate the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with intensive speech therapy for treating poststroke aphasia. The study found significant improvements in speech, confidence, and mood among participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.

Exploring why it is harder to hear in noisy environments

A new eNeuro study explores how competing sounds affect subcortical brain activity, revealing increasingly smaller responses as multiple speech streams are introduced. This finding has implications for understanding hearing loss and difficulties with auditory processing in noisy environments.

New insights into the mechanisms of language recovery after stroke

Researchers identified three key principles in language recovery after stroke: rapid reinforcement of damaged areas by unaffected network regions, activation of homologous mirror-image areas, and increased communication between affected areas.

AI-based tool uses speech patterns to detect moderate to severe depression

A study analyzed over 14,000 voice samples from adults to evaluate an AI-based machine learning biomarker tool detecting depression through speech cadence and acoustic features. The tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 71%, correctly identifying depression in 71% of people who had it.

Hearing impairment may be a sign of increased risk of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from Lancaster University found a significant link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank, revealing a 57% higher risk for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing loss.

How job ads shape gender and racial segregation in the UK workforce – new study

A new study by Lancaster University reveals that language in job ads can unintentionally reinforce or disrupt labour force gender/racial composition. Workforces with more women tend to use family-friendly policies in ads, while racial minority workers' ads lack impact, the research shows.

Hear this! Transforming health care with speech-to-text technology #ASA187

The study analyzes the impact of enunciation on speech-to-text accuracy in medical situations, highlighting challenges with medical terms and noisy environments. A new audio dataset was created to improve the technology's usefulness for healthcare professionals.

R sounds are rough, and L sounds are smooth, according to cross-cultural study

A new study found that speech sounds have texture and shape to them, with R sounds associated with roughness and L sounds with smoothness. The research showed strong tendencies for matching trilled R sounds with jagged lines and L sounds with straight lines across cultures.

Northerners, Scots and Irish excel at detecting fake accents to guard against outsiders, Cambridge study suggests

A Cambridge study suggests that people from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Ireland are better at detecting fake accents than those from London and the Southeast. The study found that participants were able to detect fake accents with an accuracy of around 60%, varying by region and cultural homogeneity.

Ouch! Commonalties found in pain vocalizations and interjections across cultures

Researchers compared vowels in pain, disgust, and joy interjections to nonlinguistic vocalizations across 131 languages. They found consistent vowel signatures for pain and disgust, but not for joyful emotions.

Remote medical interpreting is a double-edged sword in healthcare communication

A recent study from the University of Surrey found that remote medical interpreting (RMI) can compromise the quality of communication in healthcare settings. Interpreters reported mixed experiences with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for careful consideration of interpreting methods based on the nature o...

Foreign accents protect people from being judged for bad grammar – study

A new study found that foreign accents can mitigate judgment for grammatical errors, except in cases where listeners are highly conscientious. The research suggests that English speakers are generally tolerant of grammatical errors when the speaker has a foreign accent.

Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: Censoring hate speech

Researchers found that Democrats and Republicans generally agree on what to censor when it comes to hate speech, with both parties prioritizing similar targets and severity levels. The study's findings suggest that social media companies can find consensus policies that get broad support, even in a highly polarized era.

‘Who’s a good boy?’ Humans use dog-specific voices for better canine comprehension

Researchers found that humans slow their speech when talking to dogs to match the pets' receptive abilities, allowing for better understanding of commands. The study also revealed that dogs respond well to slower tempos and prosody in human speech.

How synchronization supports social interactions

Researchers analyzed audio and motion data from unstructured face-to-face conversations to investigate the multimodal dynamic between speech and movements. The study found synchronization at all timescales of conversation, suggesting that turn-taking dynamics play a crucial role in coordinating verbal and nonverbal cues.

Lengthened consonants mark the beginning of words

A new study found that consonant lengthening is a universal trait in many languages, helping listeners identify word boundaries. The researchers analyzed data from the DoReCo corpus and found evidence of lengthening in 43 out of 51 languages.

Could your phone detect hepatic encephalopathy by listening to you read?

Researchers developed a multi-variable model called Hear-MHE that analyzes speech patterns to identify symptoms of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. The test shows promise in predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy and could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment.

National political dialogue focused on power and morals

A recent study found that national politics predominantly use abstract, moralized, and power-centric language, lacking local common ground. This shift is thought to fuel partisan animosity and provoke anger.

Vital language sites in brain act like connectors in a social network

A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies critical language connector sites in the cerebral cortex that work together to produce language. These sites serve as connectors between subnetworks of people, serving a similar function for language in the brain.

Voice changes recorded on a smartphone can indicate a flare up of COPD symptoms

A pilot study found that voice changes recorded on a smartphone can signal an impending flare-up of COPD symptoms. Researchers analyzed the voices of 28 people with COPD and discovered higher pitched tones and 'jitter' before an exacerbation occurred.

The emergence of moral foundations in children’s speech

A study of children's conversations with caretakers found that the Care/Harm foundation emerges at a younger age than other moral foundations, appearing in one-year-olds' speech. The study also showed that children tend to discuss fairness while caretakers focus on Purity/Degradation.

British conversation is changing: Why people speak more alike today

Research by Lancaster University found that people in higher social grades, including corporate world and education sectors, are adopting each other's speech patterns to be more inclusive. This 'resonance' has increased over the past 20 years, particularly among those with high social status.

To sound like a hockey player, speak like a Canadian #ASA186

Researchers found that American athletes borrow Canadian English accent features for hockey-specific terms and jargon, but not underlying pronunciation rules. Adopting these dialects is a way players portray their identity through speech.

Time watching videos may stunt toddler language development, but it depends on why they're watching

A new study from Southern Methodist University reveals that passive video use among toddlers can hinder language development, but caregivers' reasons for exposing them to digital media can lessen the negative impact. When videos are used for educational or social purposes, such as video chats with family members, the risk of stunted la...

For outsiders, stereotypes about Southern speech trump experience

A new study finds that Americans from the South mimic Southern speech patterns when actually listening to a Southerner, but only shift their speech when told they're hearing a Southerner. Non-Southerners, however, are influenced by stereotypes and only shift their speech when told so.

Researchers fear the spoken ‘r’ is ready to roll away from the last bastion of rhoticity

Researchers at Lancaster University find that the 'r' sound is becoming weaker in England, with most young speakers softening it to an elongation of the vowel. This decline is predicted to continue, potentially erasing traditional dialects and linguistic homogenization.

Vocal Fry: A sonic feature of a diverse city #Acoustics23

Researchers investigate how creaky voice use varies across different areas of Sydney, finding that the area's diversity plays a significant role. The study reveals mixed results regarding the influence of gender on creaky voice use, with no statistically significant difference found between men and women.