The grant includes free access to the magnetic resonance imaging scanner at SUBIC as well as any necessary technical support, and will allow the collection of pilot data for Gláucia’s upcoming research.

Gláucia explains that, because the entire voice-production apparatus is embedded in the human body and is built upon structures and processes associated with vital functions – such as respiration, chewing and swallowing – our voices are very susceptible to the neurophysiological variations associated with different emotions. For instance, increasing respiratory muscle tension typically associated with some emotions is likely to intensify the pressure under the vocal folds, where the voice source is generated; under these conditions, it is mostly likely that voice production will involve vocal folds closing more rapidly and with greater adduction forces. The result will be a vocal sound with relatively strong acoustic energy at high frequencies. Gláucia says that, this type of voice will typically be perceived as “tenser”, and perhaps even “angrier”, depending on the context. When experiencing happiness and love, the adduction forces of the vocal folds during voice production tend to be reduced; the voice is perceived as “softer” or “milder”. 

In addition to the way the vocal folds vibrate, the shape of the vocal tract (which incorporates cavities above the vocal folds, such as pharynx and mouth) is affected by emotions. When we speak, we may vary the extent to which we open our jaw or lips, and/or the position of the tongue or larynx, depending on our emotional state. Thus, the shape of the vocal tract is affected not only by what we say, but also how we say it.

In her new study, Gláucia will use magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how the shape of the vocal tract changes when we express emotions through our voices.

Gláucia Laís Salomão. Photo: private.

–There is comparatively more research on the acoustic characteristics of different emotional voices than on what we do with our voice-production apparatus when we produce such voices, says Gláucia.

–The idea behind this project is to expand on my research concerning empathy arising from emotional voices, which was initiated recently at SUBIC. A better grasp of the motor behavior underlying the production of such voices can help us to understand how we are influenced by the emotions of others conveyed vocally.

Read more about Glácia's research

Read more about the the project "Listening to other's emotions"