The contribution of supraglottic laryngeal adjustments to voice: Phonetic evidence from Arabic

In this study, we provide nasendoscopic observations illustrating phonetic contrasts in Arabic that require supraglottic laryngeal adjustments, and demonstrate how the laryngeal constrictor mechanism contributes to phonetic descriptions of phonation. Arabic has two pharyngeal consonants (voiceless and voiced). We show, among others, that these two consonants possess auditory features of whisperiness and creaky voice, respectively, and are always produced with supraglottic constriction similar but more marked than during whispery or creaky [i]. However, during modal [i], the epilaryngeal space is wide open. We outline a revised model of laryngeal constriction where 'voice' is controlled to a large degree by supraglottic as well as glottic mechanisms. Some hypotheses are also proposed concerning the possible muscular synergies that induce these supraglottic gestures.