Spectrographic Study of Vowel Reduction

TLDR

Vowel targets are defined by the asymptotic values of the first two formant frequencies, which are invariant across consonantal context and duration. The study measured formant frequencies and durations for eight Swedish vowels in three consonantal contexts and varying timing, modeling the approach to target values with an exponential function of vowel‑segment duration. The findings support a simple dynamic model of vowel articulation.

Abstract

Measurements of formant frequencies and duration are reported for 8 Swedish vowels uttered by a male talker in three consonantal environments under varying timing conditions. An exponential function is used to describe the extent to which formant frequencies in the vowels reach their target values as a function of vowel-segment duration. A target is specified by the asymptotic values of the first two formant frequencies of the vowel and is independent of consonantal context and duration. It is thus an invariant attribute of the vowel. The results suggest an interpretation in terms of a simple dynamic model of vowel articulation.