This paper describes the first steps for adaptation of an Arabic text-to-speech synthesis system /I/ to Hebrew language. The text-to-speech synthesis system realized for Arabic language is described briefely. The speech synthesis system is based on the synthesis by rule using a cascade and parallel Klatt formant synthesizer /2/. This approach is justified by the resemblance of Arabic and Hebrew languages in terms of phonetic aspects. The work may be extended to the other Semitic languages. This adaptation work consists of analysis, synthesis and formulation of adequat rules. A deeper investigation of phonetic differences between the two languages is undertaken aiming at the realization of a complete bilingual speech synthesis system. The results dealing with the intelligibilty of the particular Hebrew consonants are acceptable.

Keywords: Klatt formant speech synthesizer, bilingual synthesis, Arabic, Hebrew.