Search Results (4)

In recent years, multi-functional lecture halls have developed rapidly and become a symbol of contemporary public spaces and places. This kind of spatial facility that brings together the advantages of land intensiveness and multi-functional integration also faces feedback such as poor acoustic effects. However, current research rarely involves the architectural design perspective, which is actually the root consideration of this problem; that is, how to set up corresponding spatial layout measures to optimize acoustic performance in a relatively economical and simple way. This study uses the academic lecture hall of the School of Architecture and Planning of Yunnan University as a case to try to solve these problems. The research is based on holistic considerations, starting from site selection, architectural design, aesthetic considerations, and environmental noise assessment, and combining simulation results with actual measurement results. Using a prediction–comparison–verification method, key acoustic parameters such as speech intelligibility, loudness, and reverberation time were calculated and evaluated to understand the acoustic design problems of the hall. The study found that the out-of-control reverberation time was the main cause of poor acoustic feedback, and based on this, optimization and transformation were carried out from an architectural perspective. Finally, a renovation suggestion was made that the application of sound-absorbing materials on the rear wall can achieve better acoustic effects inside the hall. Among the space combination methods, the combination of “rear wall, central ceiling, and front ceiling” has the best effect. Practical insights are provided for improving the acoustic performance of the multi-functional lecture halls while taking into account the acoustic design and feasible requirements. Full article

In recent years, evidence has been provided that individuals with dyslexia show alterations in the anatomy and function of the auditory cortex. Dyslexia is considered to be a learning disability that affects the development of music and language capacity. We set out to test adolescents and young adults with dyslexia and controls (N = 52) for their neurophysiological differences by investigating the auditory evoked P1–N1–P2 complex. In addition, we assessed their ability in Mandarin, in singing, their musical talent and their individual differences in elementary auditory skills. A discriminant analysis of magnetencephalography (MEG) revealed that individuals with dyslexia showed prolonged latencies in P1, N1, and P2 responses. A correlational analysis between MEG and behavioral variables revealed that Mandarin syllable tone recognition, singing ability and musical aptitude (AMMA) correlated with P1, N1, and P2 latencies, respectively, while Mandarin pronunciation was only associated with N1 latency. The main findings of this study indicate that the earlier P1, N1, and P2 latencies, the better is the singing, the musical aptitude, and the ability to link Mandarin syllable tones to their corresponding syllables. We suggest that this study provides additional evidence that dyslexia can be understood as an auditory and sensory processing deficit. Full article

Dongba script is one of the very few pictographic writing systems still surviving in the world. The script evolved over time, and this is reflected by the correspondence between its written symbols and the related spoken language. During my fieldwork, I witnessed occasionally when Dongba glyphs have been analysed to write down IPA symbols based on Latin alphabet. This is an innovative application of Dongba pictographs, through the use of traditional scriptures and vernacular documents. This study provides insights into processes of adaptation in situations of contact between the Dongba pictographic writing system and the International Phonetic Alphabet and aims to shed light on structural issues pertaining to the phonological units of the Naxi language. According to the present research, Dongba glyphs can identify initials quite efficiently, yet they are not efficient in distinguishing rhymes and tones. At the same time, a phonemic chart written in Dongba glyphs shows to be a valuable tool to double-check the phonemic system. Moreover, some sound changes of Ruke Naxi are attested and assessed in this note. Full article

Throughout the history of languages, poets and writers have used linguistic tools to enhance euphony in their creations. One of the widely used tools to convey melody in any written (or spoken) creative art form is the use of long vowels. This paper examines the linkages between long (vs. short) vowel sounds and taste expectations of sweetness. Across four studies, we demonstrate that people expect products with brand names containing long vowels to taste sweeter than those including short vowel sounds. In studies 1 and 2, we demonstrate this association with the use of self-reported measures, and in studies 3 and 4, we employ indirect measures (implicit taste–shape correspondence and Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) paradigm) to show the effect holds at a subconscious level of processing. Previous research in this field has typically linked vowel position (high vs. low or front vs. back) with product or brand attribute expectations. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature in this field by demonstrating the importance of vowel length in sound symbolism, and more precisely, how it pertains to the taste continuum. Full article