Vocal Tract Acoustics

Vocal tract acoustics refers to how the shape and size of the throat, mouth, and nasal passages affect sound production when we speak. When air from the lungs passes through the vocal cords, it creates sound waves. The vocal tract acts like an instrument, shaping these sounds by altering its configuration—like opening or closing the mouth, changing tongue position, or adjusting lip shapes. These changes filter and enhance certain frequencies, allowing us to produce different vowels and consonants. Essentially, the vocal tract transforms raw sound into recognizable speech by manipulating the acoustic qualities of our voice.