Abstract
In a previous work we have obtained evidence to the phonetic similarity between the five Japanese and Spanish vowels. A perceptual correspondence between syllables of both languages was also indicated. In the present study we have included a larger sample of Japanese syllabic sounds. Similarities and differences were determined by using identification tests under normal and distorted conditions (syllable played backwards). One hundred Japanese syllables were presented to ten Spanish-speaking listeners. They were instructed to listen to and to transcribe the sounds using their own Spanish alphabetic symbols. All five vowels were identified with high accuracy, whether presented alone (96%), with another vowel (97.5%), or paired with consonants (94%). The consonants in CV syllables reached an average level of identification of 89% and CVV syllables of 72%. When presented under distorted conditions, patterns of identification and patterns of confusion for each one of the sounds, common to both systems, were similar. Vowels remained unchanged. With exception of stops [p][t][k] and [d] and fricative [3], consonantal sounds were also reversible. It is concluded that a considerable number of Japanese syllabic sounds have a perceptual equivalent in the Spanish syllabic system. The acoustical distribution within the temporal syllabic segment seems to be a relevant factor in the perceptual similarity.
