Assessing register variation in local speech rate

We present findings on phonetic register variation (which refers to conventionalized and socially recurring linguistic patterns of intra-individual speech behavior) in contrasting situated interactions. In this study, we examine the differences in speech rate within individuals. Our data was collected using an innovative method where participants engage in simulated tele-conference conversations with a video-recorded interlocutor. Each participant experienced both a “formal” situation, such as requesting a deadline extension from a superior, and an “informal” one, like describing their favourite recipe to an acquaintance. The silent interlocutor persona appeared in two different styles, including variations in hair, clothing, and make-up. This experimental setup allows us to manipulate the conditions systematically and consistently, while eliciting subtle phonetic differences in the laboratory setting. Our hypothesis is that speech production slows down in formal situations due to processing and memory load constraints. Statistical analyses conducted on data from 45 German participants support our hypothesis, showing a decrease in speech rate in the formal condition.

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