Phonetograms of normal Taiwanese young adults

In this project, the hypothesis that the maximum dynamic frequency and intensity range result from vocal exercise associated with using a specific dialect rather than physiological limitations was investigated.;Mandarin and Min dialects are tonal languages. The maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency for Mandarin is greater than that for Min. Min is perceived to have greater speaking intensity range than Mandarin. Since the major mechanisms of frequency and intensity control are different, daily conversation by Mandarin speakers can be considered frequency exercise for the laryngeal apparatus, and by Min speakers it is an intensity exercise for the aerodynamic apparatus of the voice.;This project determined the maximum dynamic frequency range and dynamic intensity range in phonetograms. The maximum range of speaking fundamental frequency as well as the maximum range of speaking intensity in reading a passage for native Mandarin and native Min speakers of normal Taiwanese young adults were also documented.;Several results of this study were worthy of discussion, and suggested the notion that Mandarin and Min speakers have different vocal profiles than speakers of non-tonal languages. The identification of differences in the maximum dynamic frequency and intensity range between Mandarin speakers and Min speakers allows us to determine the frequency and intensity effects on maximum vocal performances which could be the result of the particular types of vocal exercise associated with Mandarin and Min.;The data obtained in this study may have direct clinical application to the two voice populations to provide an assessment tool of vocal function for Mandarin speakers and Min speakers. Reduced maximum vocal performance is a good indicator of vocal problems and of the probable benefit of vocal exercise. Moreover the tones of Min dialect speakers appears to provide good example of a therapeutic strategy to expand the intensity range for persons with limited intensity range who speak different languages.