Formant structure

Formant structure refers to the pattern of resonant frequencies in the vocal tract that shape the sound of speech. When we speak, air flows through the mouth and throat, creating vibrations. Sound waves bounce within these cavities, amplifying certain frequencies called formants. These formants give vowels their distinct sounds—like the difference between "cat" and "cot." The specific pattern and spacing of formants help us identify different speech sounds. Overall, formant structure is a key aspect of how our vocal anatomy produces and distinguishes various spoken words.