A review of Mandarin speech recognition test materials for use in Singapore

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate word lists of current Mandarin speech recognition test materials on their adaptability for use on adult Singapore Mandarin speakers.

Design

This scoping review involved literature search through electronic databases for studies published in English or Mandarin, detailing the development or validation of Mandarin speech recognition test materials meant to be used in quiet. Word lists of materials were evaluated for phonemic balance (Stage 1) and familiarity to Singapore Mandarin speakers by comparing the test items against a list of 1,000 common Singapore Mandarin words (Stage 2).

Study sample

Thirty articles that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were reviewed.

Results

Nine sets of materials were found and evaluated in Stage 1. Among these, two sets of materials did not contain phonemically balanced word lists. The remaining seven sets of materials were evaluated in Stage 2. The percentage of unfamiliar characters to Singapore Mandarin speakers was found to be between 15% and 41% across the word lists.

Conclusion

None of the currently available materials contain word lists that can be readily adapted for re-recording with the voice of a Singapore Mandarin speaker. There is a need to develop original Singapore Mandarin speech recognition test materials.

Keywords:

• Speech perception
• instrumentation
• Mandarin speech audiometry
• Singapore Mandarin

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Prof William Hal Martin (National University of Singapore) for his suggestions that contributed to the ideation of this review.

Disclosure statement

There are no known conflicts of interest associated with this review. There has not been any financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Soh, K.W., upon reasonable request.