ACOUSTIC CORRELATES OF THE VOICED-VOICELESS DISTINCTION IN DUTCH NORMAL AND TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL SPEAKERS

Petra Jongmans1, Ton Wempe2, Frans Hilgers3, Louis Pols2 & Corina van As-Brooks4
1University of Amsterdam/Netherlands Cancer Institute; 2University of Amsterdam; 3Netherlands Cancer Institute/University of Amsterdam; 4Netherlands Cancer Institute

ID 1140
[full paper]

Confusions between voiced and voiceless plosives and fricatives are the most common confusions in Dutch tracheoesophageal (TE) speech. The problem is attributed to the working of the new voice source: the pharyngo-esophageal segment, or neoglottis. In order to learn how these speakers convey the voiced-voiceless distinction, detailed analyses are necessary. 15 acoustic correlates (and a subset of 6 for the fricatives) were selected and analyzed. Statistical analyses were then used to determine which correlates are used to distinguish between voiced and voiceless sounds. The data show that TE speakers do not differ much from normal laryngeal speakers, except where voicing is concerned.

Extra Files: