Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study analyzes the spectral properties of word-initial and intervocalic ejectives in Wolaytta, an Omotic language of southern Ethiopia. Using tokens embedded in three vowel contexts, we examined mean burst intensity, spectral moments, and vowel perturbation following ejection. Results show that ejectives adjacent to high front vowels were produced with greater intensity, supporting the hypothesis that increased oral cavity tenseness correlates with acoustic energy. Centroid and standard deviation differentiate place of articulation, while skewness and kurtosis distinguish singleton from geminate ejectives. Post-ejective vowel pitch and spectral tilt varied systematically with the ejectives’ place of articulation, indicating creaky phonation induced by ejection. Overall, the findings enhance our understanding of factors impacting acoustic features of ejectives.
Source: Languages
Authors: Firew Elias, Derib Ado, Feda Negesse
Institution: Addis Ababa University
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,689
Funder: Addis Ababa University
OpenAlex ID: W4414610724