An exploration of voice source correlates of focus

Abstract

This pilot study explores how the voice source parameters vary in focally accented syllables. It examines the dynamics of the voice source parameters in an all-voiced short declarative utterance in which the focus placement was varied. The voice source parameters F0, EE, UP, OQ, RG, RA, RK and RD were obtained through inverse filtering and subsequent parameterisation using the LF-model. The results suggest that the focally accented syllables are marked not only by increased F0 but also by boosted EE, RG and UP. The non-focal realisations show reduced values for the above parameters along with a tendency towards higher OQ values, suggesting a more lax mode of phonation.