Listening with Your Lips: A study exploring the impact of speech articulator restriction on acoustic processing in Tagalog/English adults

Date of Submission

Spring 2025

Document Type

Closed Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Department

Speech-Language Pathology

First Advisor

Beatriz Barragan, PhD

Abstract

This study examined how restricting lip movement affects the acoustic language processing in Tagalog/English bilingual adults. Forty participants completed a word-to-picture matching task with trials in both English and Tagalog under two conditions: one with restricted lip movement using a plastic hex nut (experimental condition) and the other holding a spoon with the hand without lip constriction (control condition). Results were measured by accuracy and reaction time (RT) in the native language (L1) and second language (L2). Results showed that restricting lip movement negatively impacted accuracy in the word-to-picture matching task, supporting the involvement of motor simulation in speech perception. Specifically, the lip restriction had a greater negative impact on the participants’ accuracy in their L2 than in their L1. The study indicates that articulator movement supports auditory processing, especially in a second language where cognitive demands are higher.

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