Spectral Features Related To The Auditory Perception Of Twang-Like Voices

Based on the intra-rater reliability scores, four judges were identified as suitable to be included in the analyses. Results showed that the frequency of F₁ and F₂ correlated strongly with the auditory-perception of <i>twang-like</i> voices (0.90 and 0.74, respectively), whereas F₃ showed a moderate negative correlation (-0.52). The frequency difference between F₁ and F₃ showed a strong negative correlation (-0.82). The mean energy between 1-2 kHz and 2-3 kHz correlated moderately (0.51 and 0.42, respectively). The frequency of F₄ and F₅, and the energy above 3 kHz showed weak correlations. Since the spectral changes under 2 kHz have been associated with the jaw, lips, and tongue adjustments (i.e. vowel articulation) and a higher vertical laryngeal position might affect the frequency of all formants (including F₁ and F₂), our results suggest that vowel articulation and the laryngeal height may be relevant when performing <i>twang-like</i> voices.