Formant frequencies of Dutch vowels in a text, read at normal and fast rate

Abstract

Speaking rate is thought to affect the spectral features of vowels. Target-undershoot models of vowel production predict more spectral reduction and coarticulation of vowels in fast-rate speech than in normal-rate speech. To test this prediction, a meaningful Dutch text of about 850 words was read twice by an experienced newscaster, once at a normal speaking rate and once as fast as possible. All realizations of seven different vowels and some realizations of the schwa (/E/) were isolated. The first and second formant frequency values of all realizations were measured at five different points, each time by making cross sections at different points in the vowel realization. The different selections of these points are based on procedures used in literature, such as maximal F1 or mean formant value. No spectral vowel reduction was found that could be attributed to a faster speaking rate, neither was a change in coarticulation found. The only systematic effect was a higher F1 value in fast-rate speech irrespective of vowel identity. This possibly suggests a generally more open articulation of vowels, speaking louder, or some other general change in speaking style by our speaker when he speaks fast.