The objective of this paper is to clarify the influence of extrinsic factors of a sound type in speech sound on the N100 component upon ERP study with speech sound as auditory stimulation.

In Experiment 1, the difference in the influence on the N100 component between speech sound and pure sound was verified. Regarding pure sound, we also allowed the sound immediately after trigger and the delayed sound to be heard, to verify the influence of delay. In Experiment 2, we verified the influence of aspirated/unaspirated and VOT/-VOT in voiceless unaspirated plosives [p], voiceless aspirated plosives [pʰ], and voiced plosives [b]. In Experiment 3, the influence of strident was verified in voiceless plosives [p] [t] [k], voiceless affricates [ts], and voiceless fricatives [s].

The results are as follows. (1) In speech sound, the onset time of vowel formant frequency relates to induction of the N100 component. (2) The N100 component is induced with a delay due to the silent section with VOT. (3) The N100 component is induced with a delay with -VOT. (4) The peak voltage in the N100 component is reduced by the noise in [s] in fricatives.

It was suggested in the above influence that further verification is necessary on control of conditions in the ERP study of a language by using MMN, P300, N400, P600, etc.

This article proposes that there are commonalities in prosodic features of speech for identical conversational functions, regardless of differences in terms or expressions. First, a questionnaire survey on the functions perceived to be necessary in a university setting was conducted on beginner-level Japanese language learners. From the survey responses, a total of 20 functions were identified to be highly necessary (e.g., requests, calls for attention, and gratitude). Next, three patterns of utterances were recorded for each function by seven native Japanese speakers during roleplay; these recordings were used as audio materials. Finally, an acoustic–phonetic analysis was performed on the prosodic features (syllable duration, F0, and intensity) of the three most appropriate recordings for each function. The results indicated that 13 of the functions had distinctive prosodic features.

The present study analyzes the voice characteristics of elderly people regularly visiting nursing homes. The study was conducted using experimental phonetics methods in order to examine the voice characteristics of the elderly and to define the various changes that may accompany aging.

The results acquired using: sound pressure analysis, sound pitch analysis, length of sound duration and sound spectrogram (SPG) evaluations; indicate the typical voice characteristics of the elderly.

Within the scope of the implemented study, it was suggested that the two main factors that influence weakness or instability in the voices of the elderly; are (1) decreased sound pressure, and (2) pitch instability.

It was also suggested that training comprising recitation which (1) increases the amount of exhalation flow sent to the vocal cords, and (2) stabilizes vocal cord vibration; may improve the above mentioned voice characteristics of the elderly.

The purpose of this study is to describe accent variations of “Maazu” in the Gumma dialect through acoustic phonetics analysis. A previous study by Miyagawa (2007) found the two characteristics of “Maazu” as a filler 1). its accent patterns are HHH, LHL, HLL, and 2). its speech duration is approximately 500ms. The study was on the “Maazu” in the Nagano dialect, and there has been no study yet on the “Maazu” used as an adverb in the Gumma dialect. The informants in the current study were four native Gumma dialect speakers who were born and raised in an area called Isesaki, Gumma. They were asked to read ten sentences aloud three times. As a result, I identified four patterns of its accents; 1). LHH, 2). LLL 3.) HHH, and 4). Raising curve in the beginning of word. The most frequent accent pattern is LHH. Additionally, I re-analyzed the data of Miyagawa (2007) in order to verify the accent pattern of LHL in the study, however I did not find LHL accent pattern.

This paper introduces IPA Wolf game that arranged Word Wolf game. Word Wolf game is a word search game as a werewolf-type game from Japan. The gamemaster decides on theme and gives a word to each player. The same word is written down for each player except one, and a similar word is written down for that one player. The players attempt to find a minority in everyone's debate. If someone guesses who is a minority, they win. If a minority is not revealed, he wins. IPA Wolf game uses IPA as the theme.

This game has both educational and playful elements. Therefore, the player can think of IPA from various aspects. For example, a sound source, a place of articulation and a manner of articulation, the symbol shape and size as well as their taste for sound. We hope that the basics of phonetics will become popular through this game.

This paper introduces IPA Insider-game that arranged Insider-game. Insider-game is an insider search game to repeat yes-no question. The gamemaster can freely select and write down a word. The insider player, whose role is not known to the other players, will then secretly view the word. The rest of the players don’t know the word. Every players ask the gamemaster with yes-no question and derive the correct word within the time limit. If the players fail to guess the correct word, everyone loses. If, however, the word is correctly guessed within the time limit, the players discuss the game and deduce the identity of the insider. If they guess correctly, they win the game together; if they do not, the insider wins. IPA Insider-game uses IPA as the word.

This game has both educational and playful elements. In this geme, it is important that the gememasterand players understand IPA correctly. Otherwise, the game will not proceed normally. We hope that the basics of phonetics will become popular through this game.