The Impact of Language on Voice: An LTAS Study

Abstract

Objectives. The present study investigates possible differences in sound characteristics associated with Farsi and Qashqai produced by Farsi-Qashqai bilinguals. Study Design. This is a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study. Methods. Thirty-two Farsi-Qashqai bilinguals (16 men and 16 women) participated in the study. Mean spectral energy (MSE) and spectral tilt (ST) obtained from long-term average speech spectra were extracted from continuous speech samples of Farsi-Qashqai bilingual speakers. MSE and ST were calculated using Praat and then compared between Farsi and Turkish. Results. Results showed that bilingual speakers had higher MSE and lower ST in Farsi than in Turkish. Conclusions. Findings show that even with the same phonatory apparatus, spoken language affects the speaker's voice quality.