The contribution of voice quality to the expression of politeness : an experimental study
This thesis investigates the role of voice quality in expression of politeness under conditions of varying relative social status among Japanese male speakers. The thesis also sheds light on four important methodological issues: 1) experimental control of sociolinguistic aspects; 2) eliciting semi-natural spontaneous speech which satisfies naturalness; 3) recording quality suitable for voice quality analysis; and 4) the use of direct waveform and spectrum measurement as a non-invasive method for measuring glottal characteristics related to perceived voice quality. Japanese has been believed to rely on what has been called ânegative politenessâ (formality and deference). Since explicitly expressing deference under the Keigo (Japanese system of honorifics) requires mastery of a highly complex system, in daily conversation, this function may be taken over by vocal paralinguistics. Also, as the Keigo system is not supposed to convey âpositive politenessâ (friendliness and solidarity), vocal paralinguistics may contribute to this aspect of politeness. The use of high fundamental frequency (FO), which has been considered a universal cue of politeness, is more associated with femininity in Japanese, and this
Ito, Mika
The contribution of voice quality to the expression of politeness : an experimental study. This thesis investigates the role of voice quality in expression of politeness under conditions of varying relative social status among Japanese male speakers. The thesis also sheds light on four important methodological issues: 1) experimental control of sociolinguistic aspects; 2) eliciting semi-natural spontaneous speech which satisfies naturalness; 3) recording quality suitable for voice quality analysis; and 4) the use of direct waveform and spectrum measurement as a non-invasive method for measuring glottal characteristics related to perceived voice quality. Japanese has been believed to rely on what has been called ânegative politenessâ (formality and deference). Since explicitly expressing deference under the Keigo (Japanese system of honorifics) requires mastery of a highly complex system, in daily conversation, this function may be taken over by vocal paralinguistics. Also, as the Keigo system is not supposed to convey âpositive politenessâ (friendliness and solidarity), vocal paralinguistics may contribute to this aspect of politeness. The use of high fundamental frequency (FO), which has been considered a universal cue of politeness, is more associated with femininity in Japanese, and this
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