Perceptual cues for individual voice quality

Abstract

The alteration of phonation modes may affect speaker identification, but it is not known to what extent changes in register can compromise discrimination in each case. To answer this question, specifically with respect to falsetto voice, a perception experiment was designed using disguised voice in order to analyze the listeners’ reaction to stimuli that differed only with respect to phonation modes. Results were significant, suggesting that falsetto voice does not compromise speaker recognition. In addition to the perception experiment, the chapter also provides a detailed analysis of the temporal aspects of each mode and the biomechanical behavior of the vocal folds. Connecting the perception experiment to the production analysis allows us, first, to know which parameters have been altered, and which have not, during the register shift to falsetto voice and, secondly, to discuss what perceptive weight such parameters may have on the recognition of individual voice quality.