Rhythm metrics in MSA spoken language of six algerian regions

This paper focuses in rhythm speech metrics of Modern Standard Arabic using speech material of six regions taken from ALGASD corpus. These regions are scattered across all the country: three regions from the north (Algiers, Tizi-Ouzou and Jijel) and three from the south (Bechar in the west -close to Morocco-, Ghardaia in the center of Algeria´ south and El Oued is in the East -close to Tunisia-). To reveal differences in speech rhythm, metrics are computed using two rhythm models: Interval Measures and Pairwise Variability Indices. The main experiment assessed patterns in rhythm metric properties depending on speakers´ location. Statistical analysis shows significant effects of speaker´s origin (north/south) on vocalic and consonantal rhythm metrics.