Cross-Linguistic Differences in Bilinguals' Fundamental Frequency Ranges

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Psycholinguistics
• Sociolinguistics

Background:

• Fundamental Frequency Range (FFR) is a key acoustic correlate of speech production.
• Bilinguals may exhibit language-specific vocal behaviors, including FFR.
• Gender differences in vocalization are well-documented, but their interaction with bilingualism is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cross-linguistic differences in FFR in Welsh-English bilinguals.
• To examine gender-specific patterns in FFR switching between languages.
• To explore the influence of sociolinguistic factors on FFR in bilinguals.

Main Methods:

• Measured FFR span and level in 30 Welsh-English bilinguals (14 women, 16 men).
• Analyzed recordings of 35 semantically matched sentences in each language (Welsh and English).
• Compared FFR within speakers across languages, stratified by gender, and collected sociolinguistic data.

Main Results:

• Consistent cross-linguistic FFR differences were observed in female bilinguals.
• FFR switching patterns were random in male bilinguals, with most not altering their FFR between languages.
• Female bilinguals demonstrated distinct FFRs for each language, while males showed less differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Gender significantly influences FFR adaptation in bilinguals.
• Female bilinguals exhibit more systematic cross-linguistic FFR variation than males.
• Sociocultural and sociolinguistic factors are crucial for understanding language-specific pitch setting and FFR differences in bilinguals.