Speech Melody Meter (SMM)
Functionality
The Speech Melody Meter (SMM) software is designed to evaluate the statistical
characteristics of speech melody by constructing and displaying histograms of the frequency
distribution of occurrence of discrete values of the pitch frequency (F0) over sufficiently long
speech intervals.
SMM implements a method for estimating three important statistical characteristics of
the histogram: the Center of «mass» of the distribution - C [Hz], the Band width - B [Hz],
and the Asymmetry distribution - A [Hz].
SMM has a wide range of options for choosing linear scales for constructing histograms used in
the analysis of speech melody characteristics, namely: the range of analyzed frequencies - F0min
and F0max, as well as frequency resolution - dF0. The choice of specific values of these parameters
determines the number of histogram components - N.
SMM is implemented as a separate application for Windows (7, 8, 10).
A distinctive feature of the software implementation of SMM is that the discrete values F0
of speech are measured only at intervals of vowels, which makes it possible to identify the most
significant parts of the F0 trajectory for perception and at the same time avoid a number of
artifacts that occur at intervals of consonants and pauses.
Areas of use
The use of SMM can be useful in the following practically important cases:
- In scientific research of the different expressive function of speech melodic:
expressing the personal accent, normativity, style and artistry;
- When studying and objectively assessing the degree of emotionality of one's speech
or the speech of the interlocutor;
- For individual training in preparing speeches and presentations for self-control and
teaching the desired characteristics of speech melody;
- As a means of monitoring speech intonation in the real work conditions of call
center operators, radio and television announcers.
- As a means of self-control to eliminate speech defects associated with various
physiological disorders and diseases;