Sex differences in frequency and intensity in reading and voice range profiles for Taiwanese adult speakers.

The purposes of the study were to (1) compare speaking frequency and speaking intensity between normal adult Taiwanese females and males, and (2) compare the physiological frequency and physiological intensity between normal adult Taiwanese females and males. Forty normal young Taiwanese females and 40 males were selected for study. The frequency and intensity variables in reading and in vocal range profiles were collected and analyzed. The independent t test was used to find a statistical significance between the female and male groups. In reading, the speaking fundamental frequency, the highest and lowest speaking ranges, and the maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency for the female group were significantly greater than those for the male group. In vocal range profiles, the lowest and highest frequencies, and the soft and loud voice for the female group were significantly greater than those for the male group. The maximum dynamic frequency range for the male group was significantly greater than that for the female group. The frequency and intensity ranges for both sexes in this study were greater than other findings for nontonal language speakers. The data may provide a voice assessment tool for Mandarin speakers in Taiwan and in other countries.