Quality of 'glottal' stops in tracheoesophageal speakers

Abstract

Glottal stops are conveyed by an abrupt constriction at the level of the glottis. Tracheoesophageal (TE) speakers are known to have poor control over the new voice source (neoglottis), and this might influence the production of 'glottal' stops. This study investigated how TE speakers realized 'glottal' stops in abutting words that end and begin with the same vowel. Ten phoneticians rated seven TE speakers' attempts to convey 'glottal' stops less favourably than two laryngeal control speakers' 'glottal' stops. Acoustic analyses showed that TE speakers relied on more gradual changes, but in 25% of realizations, a constriction at the neoglottis, similar to the constriction found in normal speakers, was produced. It was concluded that control over the neoglottis might be greater than is generally assumed. It might be possible to improve TE speakers' awareness and control over the neoglottis through training, using such tools as digital high-speed imaging.