The roles of breathy/whispery voice qualities in dialogue speech

Abstract

Qualitative analyses are conducted in spontaneous dialogue speech of several speakers, to verify the paralinguistic roles of breathy/whispery voice qualities in communication. Analyses show that breathy/whispery voices carry a variety of emotionor attitude-related paralinguistic information. Breathiness often appeared in emphasized words/phrases, having the effect of calling/catching the listener's attention. It also rhythmically appeared in utterances expressing the speaker's excitement. In backchannels, breathiness has the effect of expressing politeness or interest to the listener's talk. When accompanied by a softer voice quality, breathiness is used to call/catch the listener's attention, while expressing gentleness or tenderness. A more whispered and low-powered voice quality appears in confidential talking, embarrassment, or when the speaker is talking to oneself.