Phonetic Convergence

Phonetic convergence describes the unconscious adaptation of speech patterns between individuals during conversation, reflecting a subtle form of social coordination. Current research investigates this phenomenon using computational models, such as neural networks (including Siamese RNNs) and agent-based simulations, to analyze factors influencing convergence, including group size, communication structure, and the nature of the interaction (e.g., command vs. request). These studies are revealing the complex interplay between social interaction, language learning, and the resulting acoustic characteristics of speech, with implications for understanding language evolution, improving human-computer interaction, and developing more natural-sounding speech technologies.