Conventional Speech Identification Test in Marathi for Adults

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to develop conventional speech identification in Marathi for assessing adults by considering word frequency, familiarity, words in common use and phonemic balancing. Methods: A total of four word lists were developed with each word list consisting of 25 words out of which 60% are monosyllabic words in CVC structure, and 40% are disyllabic words in CVCV structure. Equivalence analysis and performance-intensity function testing was carried out using four word lists on native speakers of Marathi belonging to different regions of Maharashtra (i.e. Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh and Northern Maharashtra, Konkan and Pune) who were equally divided into five groups based on above mentioned regions. Results: The results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference (p >0.05) in the speech identification performance between groups for each word list, and between word lists for each group. The performance-intensity (PI) function curve showed semi-linear function, and the groups’ mean slope of the curve indicated an average slope of 4.5% increase in speech identification score per dB for four word lists. Although, there is no data available on speech identification tests for adults in Marathi, most of the findings of the study are in line with the findings of research reports on other Indian languages. Conclusions: The four word lists developed were found to be equally difficult for all the groups and can be used interchangeably. Thus, the developed word lists were found to be reliable and valid materials for assessing speech identification performance of adults in Marathi.