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Speaking a foreign language and its effect on F0
Kati Järvinen1, Anne-Maria Laukkanen, Olli Aaltonen
1University of Tampere, Voice Research laboratory , Tampere , Finland. kati.jarvinen@uta.fi
Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology
|May 23, 2012
Summary
Speaking a foreign language alters speech fundamental frequency (F0). Finnish speakers showed clear F0 changes, while English speakers had less distinct results, possibly due to pitch adaptation in a new linguistic environment.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Phonetics
- Speech Science
Background:
- The influence of bilingualism on vocal characteristics is an area of ongoing research.
- Fundamental frequency (F0) variations in speech can be affected by various factors, including language use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of speaking a foreign language on the fundamental frequency (F0) of speech.
- To compare changes in F0 between native Finnish speakers speaking English and native English speakers speaking Finnish.
Main Methods:
- 16 native Finnish and 14 native English speakers participated.
- Subjects read texts in both their native language and a foreign language.
- Speech samples were analyzed to measure the mean and range of fundamental frequency (F0).
Main Results:
- Native Finnish speakers exhibited a significant change in F0 when speaking English.
- The effect on F0 was less clear for native English speakers speaking Finnish.
- No significant correlation was found between foreign language experience and F0 change.
Conclusions:
- Speaking a foreign language can lead to adaptations in speech fundamental frequency.
- Individual differences in pitch sensitivity or experience quantification may explain varied results.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of F0 adaptation in bilingual speech.
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