Examining Phonetic Trends in the Speech of Transgender YouTubers
Presenter Title/Affiliation
University of Georgia
Start Date
23-5-2021 1:30 PM
Event Name
Panel discussion
Panel Number
22
Panel Chair Name
Ryan Redmond
Zoom URL to Join
https://ciis.zoom.us/j/98467066966
Zoom Meeting ID
984 6706 6966
Abstract
This study is a phonetic analysis of transgender English speaking YouTubers. It is primarily exploratory and is being used as a pilot study for further research into trends in transgender speech. This study focuses on three values: fundamental frequency (F0), vowel space, and sibilants. Seven videos of transgender YouTubers were selected where they discuss topics related to transition or experiences as a transperson. Each video was transcribed and force aligned using DARLA producing a TextGrid, enabling phonetic analysis in Praat. Measurements were taken for each value, which were then used to compare speakers within each group as well as with cisgender speakers of English. F0 is perceptually identified by listeners as pitch, which is an easily identifiable quality of speech. F0 for four peripheral vowels in English (/i/, /æ/, /u/, and /a/) were measured at the midpoint of the vowel. Overall range and mean for F0 were found. When compared with cisgender speakers, all transgender speakers fell well within the ranges of their cisgender counterparts for mean F0. F0 range was larger for transwomen, which parallels what is seen in cisgender women. Vowel space was measured impressionistically using vowel plots rather than using statistical model (some statistical modeling has been done since this study). Overall, the transwomen show an expanded vowel space when compared with the transmen who show a more contracted space. The data was not normalized in any way and comparison to cisgender speakers was not done. Sibilants were examined using two metrics. As duration was indicated by some research as being a useful indicated of gender and sexuality, it was sampled for each speaker. Differences in duration with respect to either group was not borne out in the data. Spectral mean was also measured for each group. The transwomen showed ranges and trends similar to cisgender women. Transgender men were more variable in their production of sibilants. As a whole, this study shows that for several metrics, transgender men and women have values that align with cisgender members of their respective genders when examined through trends seen in F0, vowel space, and sibilant measures.
Presenter Contact
rovert@uga.edu
Examining Phonetic Trends in the Speech of Transgender YouTubers
This study is a phonetic analysis of transgender English speaking YouTubers. It is primarily exploratory and is being used as a pilot study for further research into trends in transgender speech. This study focuses on three values: fundamental frequency (F0), vowel space, and sibilants. Seven videos of transgender YouTubers were selected where they discuss topics related to transition or experiences as a transperson. Each video was transcribed and force aligned using DARLA producing a TextGrid, enabling phonetic analysis in Praat. Measurements were taken for each value, which were then used to compare speakers within each group as well as with cisgender speakers of English. F0 is perceptually identified by listeners as pitch, which is an easily identifiable quality of speech. F0 for four peripheral vowels in English (/i/, /æ/, /u/, and /a/) were measured at the midpoint of the vowel. Overall range and mean for F0 were found. When compared with cisgender speakers, all transgender speakers fell well within the ranges of their cisgender counterparts for mean F0. F0 range was larger for transwomen, which parallels what is seen in cisgender women. Vowel space was measured impressionistically using vowel plots rather than using statistical model (some statistical modeling has been done since this study). Overall, the transwomen show an expanded vowel space when compared with the transmen who show a more contracted space. The data was not normalized in any way and comparison to cisgender speakers was not done. Sibilants were examined using two metrics. As duration was indicated by some research as being a useful indicated of gender and sexuality, it was sampled for each speaker. Differences in duration with respect to either group was not borne out in the data. Spectral mean was also measured for each group. The transwomen showed ranges and trends similar to cisgender women. Transgender men were more variable in their production of sibilants. As a whole, this study shows that for several metrics, transgender men and women have values that align with cisgender members of their respective genders when examined through trends seen in F0, vowel space, and sibilant measures.
https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/lavlang/2021/sunday/29
