What is artificial speech?

• A. Technology that assists or replaces spoken communication for individuals with speech impairments
• B. A device used to measure radiation
• C. A method of physical therapy
• D. A form of manual communication only

Answer: (A)

Artificial speech refers to technology that generates spoken language for someone who cannot rely on their natural voice. It is a key part of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), using devices or software that convert typed text or selections on a screen into audible speech with a synthesized voice. This helps individuals with speech impairments communicate in everyday situations, participate in conversations, and express needs. Examples include speech-generating devices and text-to-speech apps. It’s different from tools that measure radiation, which are not about spoken output, and from methods of physical therapy or purely manual forms of communication like sign language, because artificial speech specifically creates spoken output electronically.