Abstract
This study investigates the devoicing intensity of the high front vowel [I] and the high back vowel [Ɯ] in the Japanese language. The research aims to analyze the acoustic characteristics of these devoiced vowels, specifically focusing on their duration and the completeness of vocal fold vibration cessation. A total of 120 speech samples from native Japanese speakers were analyzed using Praat software. The findings indicate that the devoicing of [I] is more frequent and complete than that of [Ɯ], suggesting a greater influence of surrounding phonetic contexts on the devoicing process of [I]. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Japanese phonology and provides insights into the intricate mechanisms of vowel devoicing.
Keywords
Japanese phonology, vowel devoicing, acoustic analysis, high vowels, Praat software
Full Text
This study investigates the devoicing intensity of the high front vowel [I] and the high back vowel [Ɯ] in the Japanese language. The research aims to analyze the acoustic characteristics of these devoiced vowels, specifically focusing on their duration and the completeness of vocal fold vibration cessation. A total of 120 speech samples from native Japanese speakers were analyzed using Praat software. The findings indicate that the devoicing of [I] is more frequent and complete than that of [Ɯ], suggesting a greater influence of surrounding phonetic contexts on the devoicing process of [I]. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Japanese phonology and provides insights into the intricate mechanisms of vowel devoicing.