Practice question · Multiple choice
The source-filter theory models the vocal folds as the generator and the supraglottal tract as a resonator. What follows from this independence when a speaker produces a whisper?
Hints
- What acoustic energy replaces the vibrating vocal folds during unvoiced speech?
- Does a physical resonance cavity stop functioning just because the input sound changes?
Show the answer
A. The resonator shapes silent turbulence in place of periodic buzz
Why
Whispering removes the periodic glottal source, substituting unvoiced airflow while leaving the vocal tract filter active to shape formants. Conflating filter resonance with source activity ignores that resonances simply modify whatever acoustic energy enters the tract.
Practise The Acoustics of Speech
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