Perception of Vowel-to-Vowel Transitions with Different Formant Trajectories

Abstract

In this paper, the perceptual effects of vowel-to-vowel transitions determined by different temporal variations of model parameters which specify the shapes of the vocal tract area function are investigated. It is shown that, (a) the method of deformation of the vocal tract area function between two targets can be perceptually important and (b) conversely, within certain limits, the time course of parameters from one state to another, and the precise synchronization of two parameters is not important for the correct identification of a vowel series. These characteristics are necessary but not sufficient to prove the existence of a phonetic gesture percept.

Dynamic properties of an acoustic tube: Prediction of vowel systems

“…But the acoustic properties of the tube revealed by such an approach are necessarily purely static: no information is given on the dynamic acoustical behavior of the tube, on the acoustic stability of specific shapes or on transitions from one shape to another. Yet there is an infinite number of area deformations, involving an infinite number of formant trajectories across the F1/F2 plane, in moving from one point on the plane to another (Carré, et al, 2001). Our objective is both to find the maximum acoustic F1/F2 plane that can be obtained with a tube without any constraint and to determine which trajectories are best suited for acoustic communication.…”

Perception of articulatory dynamics from acoustic signatures

“…Third, a discrimination task was included to reveal within-preference distinctions. Fourth, stimuli that sounded to pilot listeners to have an extra vowel between /a/ and /i/, as in the experiment by Carré et al ͑2001͒, were excluded ͑Steps 12 and 13͒, so that the results are not dependent on the hearing of the extra vowel. Fifth, more articulatory and acoustic parameters of the transition from /a/ to /i/ are investigated in this work than were examined by Carré et al ͑2001͒ andCarré ͑1997͒ to determine which of the parameters best explains the perceptual results.…”

Correcting the record: Phonetic potential of primate vocal tracts and the legacy of Philip Lieberman (1934−2022)

“…A more adequate summary of Lieberman's theoretical account, then-and one that remains supported by relevant data-is that the phylogenetic reconfiguration of the vocal tract was necessary for the full range of speech. This position is supported by both phonetic (Fitch et al, 2016;Lieberman, 2012;Lieberman et al, 1969, 1972) and computational work (de Boer, 2010Carré et al, 1995Carré et al, , 2017. Directly contradicting the characterization by Boë et al, Lieberman (2006a, p. 278) summarized, "a low larynx does not signify an SVT that can the full range of human speech."…”

“…The "adult" vocal tract is attained only throughout maturation, with the broader geometric dimensions of adulthood typically emerging sometime after 6 years of age (Fitch & Giedd, 1999;Lieberman, 2012;Lieberman & McCarthy, 1999;Lieberman et al, 2001;Vorperian et al, 2005Vorperian et al, , 2009. The phylogenetic descent of the larynx observable in modern humans is accomplished via shortening of the oral cavity, restructuring of the cranium, partial descent of the larynx and tongue root into the now-expanded pharynx, resulting in a rough 1:1 relationship between horizontal and vertical sections of the vocal tract (Du Brul, 1977;Carré et al, 1995Carré et al, , 2017Ekström & Edlund, 2023;Lieberman, 2011Lieberman, , 2012Lieberman & McCarthy, 1999).…”