Systems and Methods for Assessment of Non-Native Speech Using Vowel Space Characteristics
AssigneeEducational Testing Services
InventorsLei Chen, Keelan Evanini, Xie Sun
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for assessing non-native speech proficiency. A non-native speech sample is processed to identify a plurality of vowel sound boundaries in the non-native speech sample. Portions of the non-native speech sample are analyzed within the vowel sound boundaries to extract vowel characteristics. The vowel characteristics are used to identify a plurality of vowel space metrics for the non-native speech sample, and the vowel space metrics are used to determine a non-native speech proficiency score for the non-native speech sample.
Claims22
A computer-implemented method of assessing non-native speech proficiency, comprising:
- processing, using a processing system, a non-native speech sample to identify a plurality of vowel sound boundaries in the non-native speech sample;
- analyzing, using the processing system, portions of the non-native speech sample within the vowel sound boundaries to extract vowel characteristics;
- processing, using the processing system, the vowel characteristics to identify a plurality of vowel space metrics for the non-native speech sample;
- and
- processing system, using the processing system, the vowel space metrics to determine a non-native speech proficiency score for the non-native speech sample.
A computer-implemented system for assessing non-native speech proficiency, comprising:
- one or more data processors;
- one or more computer-readable storage mediums encoded with instructions for commanding the one or more data processors to execute steps that include:
- processing a non-native speech sample to identify a plurality of vowel sound boundaries in the non-native speech sample;
- analyzing portions of the non-native speech sample within the vowel sound boundaries to extract vowel characteristics;
- using the vowel characteristics to identify a plurality of vowel space metrics for the non-native speech sample;
- and
- using the vowel space metrics to determine a non-native speech proficiency score for the non-native speech sample.
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for which when executed cause a processing system to execute steps comprising:
- processing a non-native speech sample to identify a plurality of vowel sound boundaries in the non-native speech sample;
- analyzing portions of the non-native speech sample within the vowel sound boundaries to extract vowel characteristics;
- using the vowel characteristics to identify a plurality of vowel space metrics for the non-native speech sample;
- and
- using the vowel space metrics to determine a non-native speech proficiency score for the non-native speech sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.