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Reference data for the American English acoustic vowel space
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Idaho State University, ID 83642, USA. flippete@isu.edu
Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics
|October 13, 2012
Summary
This study established reference data for the acoustic vowel space area (VSA) in children and adolescents. Findings reveal significant age-related declines in VSA, with sex differences emerging in later adolescence.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Acoustic Phonetics
- Child Language Development
Background:
- Normative reference data for acoustic vowel space area (VSA) in pediatric populations are lacking.
- Existing VSA data are insufficient for clinical normative comparisons in children and adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compute and establish normative reference data for the acoustic vowel space area (VSA) in American English.
- To examine age trends and sex differences in VSA for children and adolescents.
- To develop reference data for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Individual speaker formant data for corner vowels (/i, u, æ, ɑ/) were collected.
- Individual speaker VSAs were computed.
- A sample of 300 children (5-18 years) and 38 adults (25-50 years) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant declines in VSA were observed with increasing age.
- Sex differences in VSA became apparent in late adolescence and adulthood.
- Reference data for VSA were developed for clinical use.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial normative VSA data for pediatric populations.
- Age and sex impact VSA, with implications for speech development and assessment.
- Developed reference data can aid in clinical diagnosis and intervention.
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