Acoustic and EGG analyses of emotional utterances

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the glottal and filter variables of emotional expressions vary by emotion and valence expressed. Prolonged emotional vowels (n = 96) were produced by professional actors and actresses (n = 4) expressing joy, surprise, interest, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and a neutral emotional state. Acoustic parameters and the contact quotient from the electroglottographic signal (CQEGG) were calculated. Statistics were calculated for the parameters. Vocal fold contact time differed significantly between the emotional expressions reflecting differences in phonation types. It was concluded that CQEGG may vary simultaneously and inversely with F3 and F4 in emotional expressions of positive emotions. Changes in the lower pharynx and larynx may affect the higher formant frequencies.

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