Frequency, pitch, and change

pitch

psychological correlate of frequency

as frequency increases, pitch increases (vice versa)

fundamental frequency

frequency of vibration that is most appropriate for an individual

optimal pitch

frequency of vocal fold vibration that is most appropriate for an individual, about ¼ octave above the lowest frequency of vibration

habitual pitch

frequency of vocal fold vibration used during speech (ideally the same as optimal pitch)

pitch range

from highest to lowest possible frequencies

length

elongation

tension

tightening or relaxation

Cricothyroid – thyroid tilts down, lengthening vocal folds, increasing tension

thyrovocalis – pull cricoid and thyroid closer

increase in tension=increase in pitch

mass

can’t actually change, but can spread it out by stretching (lengthening) the vocal fold

cricothyroid and thyrovocalis

increase in mass=decrease in pitch

subglottal pressure

increasing glottal resistance to airflow

increase in air pressure=increase in pitch

loudness

psychological correlate of intensity (dB)

intensity

physical measure of pressure ratios

subglottal air pressure

increase in subglottal pressure=increase intensity

medial compression

tight compression of vfs, requiring more energy so the release of the folds is much stronger, producing an explosive compression of air; therefore greater amplitude of cycle of vibration, resulting in increased intensity.

increased medial compression=increase intensity

suprasegmental

above the phonetic level, includes elements of prosody, pitch, and loudness changes for meaning

prosody

varied stress to indicate meaning

includes: pitch, intonation, loudness, stress, duration, rhythm