Exploring Forensic Phonetics: Understanding Speech Intelligibility in Varied Acoustic Environments

Rocío Pérez Vargas

doi:10.3989/loquens.2025.e123

Authors

Rocío Pérez Vargas University of Cádiz https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4909-9879

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/loquens.2025.e123

Keywords:

forensic phonetics, acoustics, speech intelligibility, vocal characteristics, environment

Abstract

In forensic linguistics and more specifically in the field of forensic phonetics, the environment in which a recording is made exerts a considerable influence. This impact arises not only from the acoustic conditions of the space but also from how these conditions affect speech articulation and intelligibility. The way in which sounds are produced, transmitted and perceived can be significantly altered by factors such as background noise, reverberation or the proximity of the speaker to the recording device. This research delves into the analysis of speech intelligibility, as well as vocal characteristics such as f₀ and intensity, to demonstrate the intricate relationship between the concept of intelligibility and various vocal features, showing how these elements are interconnected and how they contribute to clearer or more accurate speech interpretation in forensic contexts.

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