Function and Disability Journal (Jan 2022)
Second Formant Transition Characteristics in Persian-Speaking People With Broca’s Aphasia
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to examine the acoustic characteristics of the second formant (F2) transition produced by Persian-speaking Broca’s aphasics compared to normal speakers. Methods: Eight subjects diagnosed with Broca’s aphasia and eight normal speakers participated in this study. The subjects produced six words (/ bâd / - / pâ / - / tâb / - / dâs / - / kâr / and / gâz /). The samples were analyzed using PRAAT and the F2 transition was measured for these words. F2 values were compared to the data available in the literature. Results: Since the data distribution was abnormal in this study, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied. The results of this study show that the mean of the second formant transition in healthy people and people with aphasia are significantly different from each other in the words /Bâd/ and /Kâr/ (P<0.05), in which the mean of the second formant transition in both words was higher in the group of people with aphasia compared to healthy people. The results also showed that the mean of the second-formant transition in these six words is significantly different and higher in the group of aphasic people compared to the group of healthy people (P<0.05). Conclusion: In patients with Broca’s aphasia, the F2 value was higher than normal speakers. The nature of Broca’s aphasia suggests that subjects with Broca’s aphasia show higher F2 values. Also, the focus on Broca’s aphasia indicates difficulties in applying secondary articulation to a sufficient extent. The results of these studies are likely clinically applicable in particular to improving assessment approaches and therapeutic programs for Persian speakers with Broca’s aphasia.
