The effect of speech rate on easy language audios comprehension

Easy Language is a simplified language variety designed to make information more comprehensible for diverse target groups, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, second-language learners, and those with neurocognitive disorders. Although certain guidelines and standards of Easy Language give some recommendations regarding prosodic aspects, these have not yet been tested with the target user groups considered in this study. This study investigates the impact of speech rate on comprehension of Easy Language audios in Catalan, as well as the acceptability of different speech rates and users' preferences. Three participant groups were involved: individuals with intellectual disabilities, neurotypical second-language learners, and a neurotypical control group. Four distinct speech rates were assessed (130 wpm, 150 wpm, 170 wpm, and 190 wpm). The results indicated that speech rate had no significant effect on comprehension across any group. However, it is important to highlight that all three groups agreed that 150 wpm was the most acceptable speed, and it was also among the most preferred speeds.