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Fundamental frequency characteristics of infant non-distress vocalization during the first twenty-four weeks*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

Marsha Zlatin Laufer  and
Yoshiyuki Horii
Marsha Zlatin Laufer
Affiliation:
Purdue University
Yoshiyuki Horii
Affiliation:
Purdue University
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Abstract

Fundamental frequency (F0) characteristics of non-distress vocalizations produced by four infants during the first twenty-four weeks of life were examined. This study constitutes the beginning of a longitudinal investigation of phonological development displayed by these children from birth to two years. Vocalization samples were obtained from home and laboratory recordings. Period-by-period F0 melody plots and descriptive statistics for each utterance were derived from computer analysis. Mean F0 centred around 335 Hz, with little variation evidenced when data were pooled. Duration, within-utterance range and variability did show developmental change. Individual F0 fluctuations deviating from the mean were felt to be associated with the infant's state, activity levels, and changing vocal repertoire. Sources of variation among studies of infant F0 characteristics appear to be related to differences in sampling and measurement techniques.

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Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Child Language , Volume 4 , Issue 2 , June 1977 , pp. 171 - 184
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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Footnotes

[*]

This study was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Education (NE-G-00-3-0077). We wish to extend our appreciation to the four couples who participated in this study for their continued patience and cooperation. Special thanks also go to their children who became our teachers.

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