Vocal-Tract Characteristics of the Stop Cognates

Abstract

Cinefluorographic films and throat microphone recordings were obtained from three male speakers for 18 pairs of utterances in which one member of a pair differed from the other only in a stop cognate, i.e., /p, t, k/:/b, d, g/. The data reveal that, although stop cognates are similar in the characteristics of the constrictory articulation, the voiced stop is produced with a larger supraglottal volume than its voiceless cognate. The volume differences are caused by a lengthening and expansion of the oropharynx during voiced stops. These processes, which probably satisfy the aerodynamic requirements of voicing, are interpreted to be the results of muscular action rather than passive responses of the vocal tract. Further observations concern the articulatory dynamics of consonant production and may be relevant to the description of neuromotor commands in speech production.