Translation and Adaptation of the North Wind and the Sun Passage for Persian: A Phonetically Balanced Passage for the Persian Language

Sasan Etezadi; Nariman  Rahbar; Seyyed Jalal  Sameni; Farhad  Torabinezhad; Behrooz  Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari

doi:10.18502/avr.v35i2.21198

Sasan Etezadi Rehabilitation Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nariman Rahbar Rehabilitation Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Seyyed Jalal Sameni Rehabilitation Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Farhad Torabinezhad Rehabilitation Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Behrooz Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari Department of Performing Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v35i2.21198

Keywords: Hearing loss; speech perception; phonetics; hearing aids

Abstract

Background and Aim: Standardized speech passages are essential tools in audiologicalassessments, particularly for verifying hearing aid performance and evaluating speechperception. To ensure linguistic and cultural relevance, these passages must be adaptedto reflect the phonetic characteristics of the target language. This study focused on thetranslation and phonological adaptation of the North Wind and the Sun (NWS) passage intoPersian, aiming to provide a linguistically balanced and culturally appropriate stimulus foruse in speech-based verification protocols.

Methods: The NWS passage was translated into Persian with targeted phonetic and syntacticadjustments to ensure phoneme balance and linguistic coherence. Phoneme frequencies werecompared to reference Persian studies, and expert reviewers evaluated clarity, naturalness,and content validity using Content Validity Ratio (CVR) analysis. Revisions were madebased on feedback to optimize semantic integrity and phonetic distribution.

Results: The translated NWS passage contained 558 phoneme occurrences, with /a/ as themost frequent (63 times), aligning with Persian speech studies. The phoneme distributionstayed within the ±1 SD range, confirming linguistic consistency. Expert evaluationsyielded a CVR of 0.85, surpassing the 0.78 threshold, validating its relevance for speechresearch. The Face Validity Ration (FVR) of 4.7 affirmed clarity, phonetic balance, andnatural fluency in Persian speech assessments.

Conclusion: The translated NWS passage maintains phonetic balance with Persianlinguistic norms, ensuring accuracy in speech mapping and verification of hearing aids.Its adaptability for phonetic research and hearing aid validation highlights its relevance forPersian-speaking populations and cross-linguistic comparisons.