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COMS 5523 - Midterm Study Guide

Acoustics

Definition of Sound:

• Sound is produced by vibrating objects, creating oscillations in the air.

• Only objects with inertia can vibrate and generate sound.

• Sound propagation: Vibrating air molecules create pressure changes that travel through a medium.

• Example: A pendulum swinging illustrates inertia and elasticity; after displacement, it returns due to elasticity but continues oscillating due to inertia until energy dissipates.

Wave Types:

• Longitudinal Waves: Sound waves; particles move parallel to wave propagation.

• Transverse Waves: Particle motion is perpendicular to wave propagation (e.g., water ripples).

Frequency, Wavelength, Period, & Their Relationships:

• Frequency (f): The number of cycles per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Formula: f=1Tf = \frac{1}{T}

• Period (T): The time for one cycle to complete, measured in seconds. Formula: T=1fT = \frac{1}{f}

• Wavelength (λ\lambda): The distance between two consecutive points in a wave. Formula: λ=cf\lambda = \frac{c}{f} where cc is the speed of sound.

• Pitch vs. Frequency: Pitch is a psychological perception, while frequency is a physical, measurable property.

• Fundamental Frequency (F0): The lowest frequency in a voice, determined by the mass and tension of the vocal folds.

• Harmonics & Complex Sounds: Combinations of multiple sine waves create complex sounds analyzed via Fourier analysis.

• Inverse Relationship: Higher frequency = shorter wavelength; Lower frequency = longer wavelength.

• Intensity: Measured in decibels (dB), related to wave amplitude and sound power.

Jitter & Shimmer:

• Jitter: Cycle-to-cycle variation in frequency, affecting the stability of pitch.

• Shimmer: Cycle-to-cycle variation in amplitude, influencing loudness consistency.

• Clinical Relevance: Jitter and shimmer are used to assess voice disorders; shimmer values above 0.5 dB indicate abnormal variation.

Newton's Laws of Motion in Speech Production:

• First Law (Inertia): Objects at rest remain at rest, and objects in motion maintain motion unless acted upon. Vocal folds remain in place until air pressure overcomes their resistance.

• Second Law (Acceleration): Acceleration is proportional to force and inversely related to mass. Vocal fold movement depends on adequate force overcoming tension.

• Third Law (Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, influencing vocal fold oscillation and airflow management.

Source-Filter Theory of Speech Production:

• Source: Sound produced at the vocal folds, including fundamental frequency and harmonics.

• Filter: The vocal tract, which amplifies certain frequencies and dampens others based on its shape.

• Interaction: The shape of the vocal tract alters resonance, producing distinct vowel qualities.

Formant Frequencies:

• F1: Related to tongue height (higher tongue = lower F1).

• F2: Related to tongue advancement (more forward tongue = higher F2).

• F3: Related to lip rounding.

• Resonance: The enhancement of frequencies matching the natural resonance of the vocal tract.

Respiration

Airway & Passages:

• Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, larynx, pharynx, nasal, and oral cavity.

• The trachea consists of 18-20 cartilaginous rings before splitting into bronchi.

• Lung Anatomy: Two lobes on the left, three on the right (due to heart placement).

• Pleurae: Visceral and parietal pleura are attached, with liquid in between to facilitate movement.

• Muscles of Respiration: Some attach to the pelvic and pectoral girdle, influencing breathing.

Respiration Process:

• Inspiration (breathing in) takes longer than expiration (breathing out) (40/60 split in tidal breathing, 10/90 in speech breathing).

• Speech Breathing Mechanics: Speakers actively control air pressure and airflow to manage pitch, loudness, and speech rhythm.

• Labial Sealing and Release: Essential for producing bilabial and labial sounds, which require precise airflow manipulation.

Phonation

Laryngeal Anatomy:

• Cartilages: Thyroid, cricoid, arytenoids.

• Hyoid Bone: Suspends the larynx.

• Intrinsic Muscles: Include abductors, adductors, tensors, and relaxers of the vocal folds.

• Extrinsic Muscles: Elevate or depress the larynx.

True & False Vocal Folds:

• True: Vibrate to produce voice.

• False (Vestibular folds): Do not typically participate in phonation but may in some maladaptive behaviors.

Vocal Fold Vibration:

• Mucosal Wave: Movement of vocal folds where inferior edges open first, followed by superior edges.

• Vertical & Horizontal Phase Differences: Contribute to the wave-like motion of vocal folds.

• Elasticity and Inertia: Allow sustained vibration necessary for sound production.

Voice Registers:

• Pulse (Glottal Fry): Low frequency, long closed phase.

• Modal: Normal speech register.

• Falsetto: High frequency, elongated vocal folds.

Instrumentation for Voice Assessment:

• Stroboscopy: Examines vocal fold vibration using strobe light.

• Endoscopy: Direct visualization of laryngeal structures.

• Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle activity in speech production.

• Linguography: Captures tongue movement during articulation.

• MRI & CT Scans: Provide detailed imaging of the vocal tract.

Vowels & Consonants

Vowel vs. Consonant Production:

• Vowels: Produced with an open vocal tract, always voiced, and typically occupy lower frequency ranges.

• Consonants: Can be voiced or voiceless, involve some constriction, and occupy higher frequency ranges.

• Intensity: Vowels tend to be louder due to unrestricted airflow, while consonants have less intensity.

Vowel Quadrilateral:

• A visual representation of vowels based on tongue height and advancement.

• Front vowels (e.g., /i/) have higher F2, while back vowels (e.g., /u/) have lower F2.

Diphthongs:

• A transition between two vowel sounds within a single syllable.

• Examples: /eɪ/ (say), /aɪ/ (tie), /ɔɪ/ (boy), /aʊ/ (wow), /oʊ/ (no).

Spectrographic Analysis:

• Waveform: Amplitude over time.

• Spectrum: Frequency components at a single moment.

• Spectrogram: Frequency, time, and amplitude visualization.

This study guide now includes insights from the February 18th lecture, covering jitter and shimmer, vowel vs. consonant production, sound analysis techniques, and practical speech applications. Let me know if you need further refinements!

COMS 5523 - Midterm Study Guide

Acoustics

Frequency, Wavelength, Period, & Their Relationships:

• Frequency (f): The number of cycles per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Formula: f=1Tf = \frac{1}{T}

• Period (T): The time for one cycle to complete, measured in seconds. Formula: T=1fT = \frac{1}{f}

• Wavelength (λ\lambda): The distance between two consecutive points in a wave. Formula: λ=cf\lambda = \frac{c}{f} where cc is the speed of sound.

Velocity & Acceleration:

• Velocity (v): The speed of an object in a specific direction. Formula: v=distancetimev = \frac{distance}{time}.

• Acceleration (a): The change in velocity over time. Formula: a=ΔvΔta = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}.

Work, Power, Energy:

• Work (W): Force applied over a distance. Formula: W=FdW = Fd (force x distance).

• Power (P): The rate at which work is done. Formula: P=WtP = \frac{W}{t} (work/time).

• Energy: The capacity to do work; can be kinetic (motion) or potential (stored).

Stiffness & Elasticity:

• Stiffness: Resistance to deformation.

• Elasticity: Ability to return to original shape after deformation.

Pressure:

• Force per unit area. Measured in Pascals (Pa). Formula: P=FAP = \frac{F}{A}.

Newton’s Laws & Applicability to Sound:

1. First Law (Inertia): An object remains in motion/rest unless acted upon.

2. Second Law (Force & Acceleration): F=maF = ma (force = mass x acceleration).

3. Third Law (Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Sound Production:

• Requires a source (vibrating object) and medium (air, water, solid).

• Involves inertia and elasticity to sustain vibrations.

Simple vs. Complex Waves:

• Simple waves: Pure tones, single frequency.

• Complex waves: Combination of multiple frequencies, can be periodic (repeating pattern) or aperiodic (random/no pattern).

Sound Transmission:

• Involves compressions (high pressure) and rarefactions (low pressure) propagating through a medium.

Properties of Sound Waves:

• Frequency: Pitch perception.

• Intensity: Loudness perception.

• Duration: Length of sound.

• Period: Time for one cycle.

• Wavelength: Distance between cycles.

Respiration

Airway & Passages:

• Nasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

Membranes & Structures:

• Pleural membranes surround lungs, aiding movement.

Respiration Process:

1. Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts, thoracic volume increases, pressure decreases, air flows in.

2. Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes, thoracic volume decreases, pressure increases, air flows out.

Boyle’s Law:

• Pressure and volume are inversely related: P∝1VP \propto \frac{1}{V}.

Volumes & Capacities:

• Tidal volume (TV): Air exchanged in normal breathing.

• Vital capacity (VC): Maximum air exhaled after max inhalation.

• Total lung capacity (TLC): Sum of all lung volumes.

Breath Group:

• A phrase spoken on one breath.

Speech Breathing vs. Tidal Breathing:

• Speech breathing: Longer exhalation, controlled airflow.

• Tidal breathing: Automatic, equal inhale/exhale duration.

Respiratory Abnormalities & Assessments:

• Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, weak voice.

• Assessments: Spirometry, pulmonary function tests.

Instrumentation:

• Spirometer (measures lung volumes).

• Manometer (measures air pressure).

Phonation

Laryngeal Anatomy:

• Cartilages: Thyroid, cricoid, arytenoids.

• Muscles: Intrinsic (fine control of vocal folds), extrinsic (laryngeal positioning).

• Membranes: Protect and connect structures.

True & False Vocal Folds:

• True: Vibrate to produce voice.

• False: No role in phonation, assist in closure.

Phases of Phonation:

1. Opening phase: Vocal folds move apart.

2. Closing phase: Vocal folds come together.

3. Closed phase: Vocal folds fully approximated.

Voice Production Theories:

• Myoelastic-Aerodynamic Theory: Air pressure + vocal fold elasticity = vibration.

• Cover-Body Theory: Vocal folds' layered structure affects vibration.

• Bernoulli’s Principle: Faster airflow = lower pressure, pulling vocal folds together.

• Venturi Effect: Constriction increases airflow velocity.

Mechanisms for Frequency & Intensity Change:

• Frequency: Length, tension, mass of vocal folds.

• Intensity: Subglottal pressure, medial compression.

Types of Phonation Onsets:

• Soft/gentle: Gradual airflow onset.

• Breathy: Airflow before vibration.

• Hard: Strong adduction before vibration.

Voice Assessment:

• MPT (Maximum Phonation Time): Measures glottal efficiency.

• s/z Ratio: Differentiates between phonatory and respiratory issues.

• Jitter & Shimmer: Measures frequency and amplitude stability.

• Harmonic-to-Noise Ratio: Assesses voice quality.

Instrumentation:

• Laryngoscope, electroglottograph, acoustic analysis tools.

Vowels

Acoustic Theory of Speech Production:

• Source-Filter Theory: Vocal folds = source, vocal tract = filter.

Visual Speech Representations:

• Waveform: Amplitude over time.

• Spectrum: Frequency components.

• Spectrogram: Time, frequency, intensity display.

Waveform Analysis:

• Measures pitch, intensity, periodicity.

Spectrum Analysis:

• F0 (Fundamental frequency): Lowest frequency in a voice.

• Harmonics: Integer multiples of F0.

• F0 Ranges: Men (85-180 Hz), Women (165-255 Hz), Children (>300 Hz).

Spectrograms & Formants:

• F1: Related to tongue height.

• F2: Related to tongue advancement.

• F3: Related to lip rounding.

• Formant Differences: Children have higher formants than adults.

This study guide covers all topics in the review document and provides essential definitions, formulas, and concepts. Let me know if you need additional details!