Relation of second formant trajectories to tongue kinematics.

In this study, the relationship between the acoustic and articulatory kinematic domains of speech was examined among nine neurologically healthy female speakers using two derived relationships between tongue kinematics and F2 measurements: (1) second formant frequency (F2) extent to lingual displacement and (2) F2 slope to lingual speed. Additionally, the relationships between these paired parameters were examined within conversational, more clear, and less clear speaking modes. In general, the findings of the study support a strong correlation for both sets of paired parameters. In addition, the data showed significant changes in articulatory behaviors across speaking modes including the magnitude of tongue motion, but not in the speed-related measures.