Term
2013
Capstone
Restricted Access Thesis
Degree Name
MAESL
Abstract
This case study examines the intelligibility of a priest with an Indian accent who is working in a Midwestern Catholic congregation. The study reports results of interviews with the priest about his acquisition of the English language, his perceptions of his accent and his experiences in a Midwestern Catholic congregation. The parishioners rated his speech intelligibility after listening to a speech sample that was pre-recorded. A focus group was formed to give more detailed information about the rating parishioners gave the speech sample. The case study finds that speech intelligibility is affected by factors beyond an individual's accent. The perceptions that are formed about accent by a native speaker may influence results. Factors such as listening effort, personality and cultural biases influence perceptions of speech intelligibility.
Recommended Citation
Stuhl, Nicole, "Father has an accent: perceptions of speech intelligibility of an Indian priest" (2013). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 518.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/518