VOCAL-TRACT ACOUSTICS

This paper considers the topic of vocal tract acoustics from the three perspectives: (a) the acoustic theory of speech production; (b) conte mporary laboratory methods for acoustic analysis, and (c) measurement of the acoustic signal of speech. Linear source-filter theory is the s tandard acoustic theory of speech production and is the foundation for remarkable advances in the analysis and synthesis of speech. Digital signal processing, the dominant laboratory method for speech analysis, enables the acquisition and recording of the acoustic speech signal b ut also implements quantitative algorithms largely based on linear sou rce-filter theory. Measurements of the acoustic signal reflect the aco ustic theory of speech production, laboratory methods for signal analy sis, and principles of experimental phonetics. Basic issues in the thr ee domains of theory, laboratory methods, and measurement are summariz ed as they pertain to the interests of the voice scientist, voice clin ician, and voice teacher.