Voice range profiles for tonal dialect of Min

Abstract

The influence of frequency and intensity in Min dialect on maximum vocal performance has not been investigated. The purposes of this study are (1) to investigate the physiological frequency and intensity ranges of the tonal dialect of Min, and (2) to compare the physiological frequency and intensity ranges of Min to those of nontonal languages. The subjects were 40 normal Taiwanese adults. All subjects were native Min speakers. The lowest frequency, the highest frequency, the maximum range of vowel frequency change (MRVFC), soft voice, loud voice, and the dynamic intensity range were obtained from voice range profiles. The independent t test was used to find the statistical significance of all frequency and intensity variables between female and male speakers in vocal range profiles. The results revealed that female speakers had significantly greater lowest frequency and highest frequency than male speakers. Male speakers had a significantly greater MRVFC than female speakers. Moreover, Min speakers had a greater MRVFC and dynamic intensity range than most of nontonal language speakers. The data provide an assessment tool of vocal function for Min speakers. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG.