Speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) characteristics of children

Abstract

While some information is available concerning the SFF characteristics of children, these data are based on relatively small groups of preschool and school‐aged (but prepubescent) subjects. Moreover, it has been suggested [AAPS Newsletter 3, 5 (1976)] that prepubescent girls actually may exhibit lower SFF levels than similar groups of boys. Accordingly, a standard reading passage was recorded for four groups of 30 boys and 30 girls each (N = 240) for the ages of 7, 8, 9, and 10 years; all subjects were drawn from the Gainesville, Florida public schools. Mean SFF levels were obtained via processing by the IASCP Fundamental Frequency Indicator (FFI‐8). The resultant data demonstrate a systematic—and expected—lowering of SFF through the ages 7–10 years. Further, the postulation that average f0 for girls is lower than that for boys was verified; however, the trend was slight and not statistically significant. Variability within the obtained data will be discussed—as will the findings when contrasted to similar (previous) studies of a like nature. [Research supported by NIH.]While some information is available concerning the SFF characteristics of children, these data are based on relatively small groups of preschool and school‐aged (but prepubescent) subjects. Moreover, it has been suggested [AAPS Newsletter 3, 5 (1976)] that prepubescent girls actually may exhibit lower SFF levels than similar groups of boys. Accordingly, a standard reading passage was recorded for four groups of 30 boys and 30 girls each (N = 240) for the ages of 7, 8, 9, and 10 years; all subjects were drawn from the Gainesville, Florida public schools. Mean SFF levels were obtained via processing by the IASCP Fundamental Frequency Indicator (FFI‐8). The resultant data demonstrate a systematic—and expected—lowering of SFF through the ages 7–10 years. Further, the postulation that average f0 for girls is lower than that for boys was verified; however, the trend was slight and not statistically significant. Variability within the obtained data will be discussed—as will the findings when contrasted to simila...