The problem of correlation of the notions "voice quality" and "timbre" in modern linguistic researches
The article raises a most interesting question of correlation of the notions «voice quality» and «timbre » in modern linguistic investigations. It is true to say that these notions have a long linguistic history. There is still a lot of debate among scholars about this problem. As a result, these terms may be broadened, narrowed or equated with each other. Foreign investigators show more interest in voice quality research. They take great pains to explore its acoustic nature. Basing on John Laver’s works, they consider it to be a distinctive hearing characteristic of a speaker’s voice which is produced by the function of the laryngeal and supralaryngeal settings. John Laver’s emphasis is laid on the function of voice quality as an index not only to physical but to psychological and social characteristics of the speaker as well. Besides, foreign linguists state that a skillful public speaker is capable of exploiting the muscular tissue structure of his vocal apparatus to produce some particular sound effect. As far as phoneticians of this country are concerned, they are interested in the research of both voice quality and timbre. It should be noted that they may consider these notions as identical. The scientists observe that it is an acoustic characteristic which reveals the speaker’s emotional state. The speaker can intentionally exploit it to produce the sound effect which makes a great impression on his listeners. Nevertheless, some phoneticians report that timbre should not be equated with the voice quality. In their opinion, timbre is a complicated psychoacoustic phenomenon which demonstrates some psychoemotional state of the speaker. This special colouring depends on the phonation type, articulatory settings and resonant qualities of the vocal apparatus.