Voice Range Profiles for Tonal Dialect of Min

Abstract

The influence of frequency and intensity in Min dialect on maximum vocal performance has not been investigated. The purposes of this study are (1) to investigate the physiological frequency and intensity ranges of the tonal dialect of Min, and (2) to compare the physiological frequency and intensity ranges of Min to those of nontonal languages. The subjects were 40 normal Taiwanese adults. All subjects were native Min speakers. The lowest frequency, the highest frequency, the maximum range of vowel frequency change (MRVFC), soft voice, loud voice, and the dynamic intensity range were obtained from voice range profiles. The independent t test was used to find the statistical significance of all frequency and intensity variables between female and male speakers in vocal range profiles. The results revealed that female speakers had significantly greater lowest frequency and highest frequency than male speakers. Male speakers had a significantly greater MRVFC than female speakers. Moreover, Min speakers had a greater MRVFC and dynamic intensity range than most of nontonal language speakers. The data provide an assessment tool of vocal function for Min speakers.

Effects of Vocal Training on Singing and Speaking Voice Characteristics in Vocally Healthy Adults and Children Based on Choral and Nonchoral Data

“…Nora Siupsinskiene and Hugo Lycke Voice Training and Vocal Capabilities e185 separate norms for male and female subjects were established. 1,3,8,19,[30][31][32][33][34]47 Our analysis of vocally healthy trained adult choir singers and adult nonsingers showed that singers demonstrated increased vocal capabilities, especially measured by VRP. Both male and female singers when compared with nonsingers demonstrated significantly increased mean pitch range, higher highest frequency, and increased VRP area in high frequencies (P < 0.05).…”

“…1,19,23,[26][27][28][29][30][31][32] The VRP is known to be sensitive to gender and age, consequently separate norms for male and female subjects and children are reasonable. 3,9,14,[22][23][24][25][30][31][32][33][34][35] Although the significant differences between prepubescent child and adult voices are well established, only limited data on normal vocal capabilities for trained voices in school-aged children is available. 8,[20][21][22] This may be because of some difficulties in the testing of children (more time consuming, less precise) and of variability of the data as a result of rapid and obvious changes in the anatomy and physiology of the vocal tract during development.…”

Multidimensional evaluation of vocal quality in children with cochlear implants: a cross‐sectional, case‐controlled study

“…For example, tonal Chinese speakers had greater physiological frequency range and physiological dynamic intensity range than non-tonal language speakers. 7,8 The study suggested that daily conversation in Chinese may…”

“…For example, tonal Chinese speakers had greater physiological frequency range and physiological dynamic intensity range than non-tonal language speakers. 7,8 The study suggested that daily conversation in Chinese may enhance respiratory and laryngeal muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, leading to an increased maximum vocal performance, as indicated by frequency and intensity. 8 However, these data were all obtained from normal-hearing people.…”

“…7,8 The study suggested that daily conversation in Chinese may enhance respiratory and laryngeal muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, leading to an increased maximum vocal performance, as indicated by frequency and intensity. 8 However, these data were all obtained from normal-hearing people. Similar studies looking at Chinese-speaking CI users are limited.…”