Internationalization in TTS: Accurate Prosody for Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish

Prosody via Punctuation and Segmentation

• Break by sense units and clauses; keep segments ≤20s.
• Use commas to shape micro‑pauses; avoid run‑on sentences.
• Prefer explicit paragraph breaks when switching topics or tone.

Numbers, Dates, and Units

• Spell out tricky numbers for clarity; choose locale‑consistent formats.
• Write dates in long form to avoid ambiguity (e.g., “15 January 2025”).
• Include unit names explicitly when precision matters.

Loanwords and Names

Provide phonetic hints in your working draft for foreign names and brand terms; adjust spelling to steer pronunciation where necessary.

Language‑Specific Tips

Chinese

• Prefer short, declarative sentences; add commas to reflect logical pauses.
• For technical nouns, keep consistent phrasing to avoid rhythm shifts.

Japanese

• Use punctuation to mark breath and topic/contrast; avoid overly long sentences.
• Be explicit with katakana loanwords if the default reading is unclear.

Spanish

• Maintain natural stress by keeping clause structure simple.
• Clarify acronyms and brand names with spelled‑out forms once per article.

Evaluation Checklist

• Clarity and flow across segments; no abrupt rhythm changes.
• Correct handling of numbers, dates, acronyms, and names.
• Listener comprehension in the intended locale.

Author: Kokoro Web Team • Last updated 2025‑01‑15