Summary
Background
Earlier studies have shown that nasalization affects the radiated spectrum by modifying
the vocal tract transfer function in a complex manner.
Methods
Here we study this phenomenon by measuring sine-sweep response of 3-D models of the
vowels /u, a, ᴂ, i/, derived from volumetric MR imaging, coupled by means of tubes
of different lengths and diameters to a 3-D model of a nasal tract.
Results
The coupling introduced a dip into the vocal tract transfer function. The dip frequency
was close to the main resonance of the nasal tract, a result in agreement with the
Fujimura & Lindqvist in vivo sweep tone measurements [Fujimura & Lindqvist, 1972].
With increasing size of the coupling tube the depth of the dip increased and the first
formant peak either changed in frequency or was split by the dip. Only marginal effects
were observed of the paranasal sinuses. For certain coupling tube sizes, the spectrum
balance was changed, boosting the formant peaks in the 2 – 4 kHz range.
Conclusion
A velopharyngeal opening introduces a dip in the transfer function at the main resonance
of the nasal tract. Its depth increases with the area of the opening and its frequency
rises in some vowels.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 24, 2021
Accepted:
February 2,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
