April 1 - Phonemes and suprasegmentals

source filter theory:

• the vocal tract acts as an acoustic filter to modify the sound source

what is the filter?

• filter is the tube

• filter is what the sound source is going through

length and shape determine resonance frequencies. T/F

• T

• source filter theory

3 sources:

• phonation

• plosion

• frication

Formula for source filter theory, explain:

P(f)=S(f) X T(f) X R(f)

• P(f)= actual sound, function of frequency

• S(f)= sound spectrum, product of source

• T(f)= transfer function (filter)

• R(f)= radiation (sounds leaving face)

When the tube (filter) is short, the higher the frequency. When the tube (filter) is long, the lower the frequency. T/F

• T

source=harmonics

filter=formants

T/F

T

What cavity filter is used for vowels?

• pharyngeal cavity

Longer the wavelength, shorter the frequency

Shorter the wavelength, longer the frequency

T/F

T

Formants are resonancies. T/F

T

How many dB does radiation supply every octave?

+6 dB

the vocal tract controls the tubes. T/F

T

harmonics vs formants:

• harmonics come from vf

• formants come from vocal tract

formants explained:

• air inside vocal tract vibrates at different pitches, depends on size/shape of opening

• these “pitches” are formants

resonators def:

• containers of air

• they do not start the sound

• these containers of air vibrate at diff pitches based on size, shape, density of walls and size of opening

• smaller container=higher pitch

• larger container=lower pitch

resonator for the voice is the:

• vocal tract