Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Using Eye Movements Recorded in the Visual World Paradigm to Explore the Online Processing of Spoken Language
Published on: October 13, 2018
F0-related head movement in blind versus sighted speakers
Yadong Liu1, Arian Shamei1, Una Y Chow1
1Department of Linguistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canadayadong@alumni.ubc.ca, arian.shamei@ubc.ca, una.chow@ubc.ca, rachel.soo@ubc.ca, gina.pineda@ubc.ca, gillian.deboer@ubc.ca, gick@mail.ubc.ca.
Abstract:
This study investigated the relationship between head movement and fundamental frequency (F0) during speech by comparing continuous speech of congenitally blind and sighted speakers from YouTube videos. Positive correlations were found between F0 (measured in semitones) and vertical head movement for both speaker groups, with a stronger correlation for blind speakers. In addition, larger head movements and larger head movement per semitone ratios were observed for sighted speakers. These results suggest that physiological processes may account for part of the F0-related head movement and that sighted speakers use the visual modality to communicate F0 information through augmented head movement.
Related Concept Videos
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Blind Procedures
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Perceiving Loudness, Pitch, and Location
Place theory, or place coding, suggests that different pitches are heard because various sound waves activate specific locations along the cochlea's basilar membrane. The brain determines the pitch of a sound by...

