Variations in Vowel Intensity Measurements

Measurements were made of the intensities of vowels produced in isolation and in CVC syllables by three adult speakers. It was found that the predicted direct relationship with vowel opening did not apply to vowel intensity measures obtained. Similar results were found for both level recorder and voltmeter measurements. The lack of predicted relationship did not appear to be due to any effect of consonant environment. Increasing vocal effort did tend to increase the intensity of open vowels more than that of close vowels. It is suggested that reversals in the predicted relationship between vowel intensity and vowel opening may be due to variations in vocal effort and in voice quality.