Examining the role of interaction in shaping speech intelligibility in dysarthric speech

How speakers and listeners process speech has been extensively studied using carefully controlled experimental paradigms in which there is an implied, but not actual, communication. This provides inadequate information on how spoken language use may vary as a function of different communicative situations. To address this gap, the current study uses a collaborative word matching paradigm to examine how interlocutors adapt their speech processing in actual communicative situations. Specifically, individuals with dysarthria secondary to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (PALS) collaborate with a naïve communication partners in a word matching task in which they are instructed to speak naturally or to speak clearly (clear speech). PALS also produce speech without the presence of an interlocutor both in their natural style and using clear speech. Stimuli consist of minimal sets of words differing segments embedded within a carrier phrase. We assess how intelligibility of tokens produced in the interactive tasks compare to those produced in non-interactive situations. Results will show whether and how PALS’ intelligibility is shaped by task demands. More broadly, this study demonstrates both the flexibility of speech production in this population and the importance of including communicative interaction in models of spoken language use.