Exploring the role of segmental accuracy in the intelligibility, comprehensibility, and foreign-accentedness of Spanish-accented English

Abstract This study aimed to explore the impact of segmental characteristics of Spanish-accented English on pronunciation ratings by international listeners. The speech of 60 Northern Peninsular Spanish users of English was recorded and 42 segmental characteristics were analysed per talker. The samples were then rated by 330 international listeners for intelligibility, comprehensibility, and foreign-accentedness. The data yielded insights into the pronunciation difficulties faced by the speakers, based on which a Segmental Accuracy Score (SAS) was calculated, which showed a negative correlation with foreign-accentedness and positive correlations with comprehensibility and intelligibility. The findings also suggested that SAS was better associated with subjective assessments than with more objectively gauged intelligibility. Additionally, different aspects of pronunciation predicted the dependent variables to varying degrees with aspiration emerging as the best predictor. The implications underscore the importance of segmental accuracy in pronunciation instruction for improved international communication, while offering empirical evidence potentially useful for curricular design.