Soundscape attributes in Spanish: A comparison with the English version of the protocol proposed in Method A of the ISO/TS 12913–2

Abstract

In soundscape studies there is a need to validate the ISO 12913 framework and questionnaire protocols in non-English speaking regions, which is being addressed via an international translation effort carried out within the Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP). The objective of the SATP initiative is to promote the widespread use of the soundscape circumplex model attributes by validating proposed translations using standardized listening experiments in different languages and geographical regions. This study compares the Spanish (ISO 639:spa) translation of the ISO soundscape circumplex model with the original English version and introduces the Structural Summary Method (SSM) for analysis. The research findings suggest a reasonable accordance in listening experiments carried out by native English and Spanish speakers, but also highlight the need for revision of the “vibrant/monotonous” and “eventful/uneventful” dimensions to harmonize the interpretation of each dimension by the affected population. These revisions not only improve the translation of the model into Spanish, but also raise questions about the adequacy of the original English formulation of the model. The study underscores the cultural differences underlying the meaning of these dimensions and the challenges of objectifying the soundscape circumplex model within the ISO 12913 framework.