[Formant structures of vowels produced in stutterers' speech in normal and fast speech rates].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to analyse the steady-state portion of the first two formants (F1 and F2) in the production of [CVp] sequences, containing vowels [i, a, u] pronounced in two speech rates (normal and fast), by groups of untreated and treated stutterers, and control subjects.


METHODS
We recorded 15 speakers (5 control speakers, 5 non-treated stutterers and 5 treated stutterers) who had to repeat sentences containing [CV] sequences ten times, in normal and fast speech rates, where [C] was [p], [t] or [k] and [V], [i], [a] or [u].


RESULTS
Comparing data between the three groups of speakers, a vowel space reduction is observed for stutterers at a normal speaking rate, compared with control speakers and treated stutterers. When speech rate increases, no reduction of vowel space is noticeable for non-treated stutterers, contrary to treated stutterers and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Results for stutterers could be interpreted in terms of lack of articulatory flexibility.
Hirsch
F
F
Institut de Phonétique de Strasbourg & E.A. 1339 Linguistique, Langues et Parole, Composante Parole et Cognition - Université de Strasbourg (UdS). fabrice_hirsch@yahoo.fr
Monfrais-Pfauwadel
M C
MC
Sock
R
R
Vaxelaire
B
B
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D010700:Phonetics; D013060:Speech; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013342:Stuttering / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors