The Tongue as a Gateway to Voice, Resonance, Style, and Intelligibility

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Reviewers

 

Part I. The Theory

Chapter 1. It Is a Vowel-Centric World

Chapter 2. Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 3. Principle of Resonance Creation – The Low Mandible Maneuver

Chapter 4. Watch Your Tongue

Chapter 5. The Building Blocks of Language and Biofeedback from Ultrasound

Chapter 6. Vowels and Vowels That You Thought Were Consonants

Chapter 7. Consonants and Consonant Resonance

 

Part II. Applied Knowledge

Chapter 8. Nasal and Continuant Consonants—/m/ /n/ /ŋ/ // /l/

Chapter 9. Stop Consonants—/p/ /t/ /k/

Chapter 10. Prevoiced Stop Consonants—/b/ /d/ /g/

Chapter 11. Mid/Back Fricatives and the Aspirate—/h/ /χ/ /ç/ /ð/ /θ/

Chapter 12. Front Fricatives—/s/ /ʃ/ /f/

Chapter 13. Front Voiced Fricatives—/z/ /ʒ/ /v/

Chapter 14. Rhotic, Non-English R-Sounds—/ř/ /ɾ/ /ʁ/

Chapter 15. Affricates and Para-Affricates—/dz/ /dZ / /ts/ /tS/ /ks/

 

Glossary
Further Reading
Index

To be in the way, or to be out of the way, that is the question. Voice users and scientists alike agree that the tongue is a crucial part in singing. Yet, there has been no literature published that solely addresses the tongue and its acoustical influence in the context of technique. The Tongue as a Gateway to Voice, Resonance, Style, and Intelligibility finally answers the question which has plagued voice users: how does the tongue affect my singing and how can I manipulate it for my purpose?

This book is unique in its approach to, and concentration on, the singing and speaking of consonants. In the world of voice, consonants are often overlooked in favor of a vowel-centric approach to vocal pedagogy. By combining voice pedagogy with vocal science, Dr. Angelika Nair breaks down the mysteries of the tongue and its effect on consonant production for a fascinating new take on the human voice.

In addition to up-to-date scientific information, this work provides practical resources for singers, actors, and voice pedagogues of all genres, including exercises, step-by-step instructions, and easy-to-follow illustrations. Readers of The Tongue as a Gateway to Voice, Resonance, Style, and Intelligibility have the opportunity to explore the voice as a whole and fully visualize the hidden nature of voice production for immediate application in their own singing.

The author presents the complexities of voice science in simple and accessible terms, so it is applicable to anyone interested in enhancing their performance or teaching.

• More than 180 illustrations, including anatomical and spectrogram images
• Clear and detailed information about the anatomy and physiology of the tongue relative to the entire vocal tract
• The text features introductions, analysis, explanations, and practical applications
• Well-defined and practical exercises for each consonant group
• Evidence-based information that combines extensive both research and teaching experience with ultrasound in the voice studio
• Bolded key terms and a comprehensive glossary
• A PluralPlus companion website with color versions of the figures from the book

From the Foreword

“The book makes a unique contribution to the field in two major respects. First, Dr. Nair translates the complex nature of voice science into simple terms, practically applicable to anyone who wants to enhance his or her training, performance, teaching or voice awareness. Second, she explores the voice as a whole, giving attention not only to phonation and the voice box itself, but also to whole vocal product as the result of a sophisticated transformation of the basic sound through the vocal tract. Tongue and mandible are not treated as components of the vocal tract but as important elements of interconnectedness with the entire voice box, which makes complete sense. The world of voice is predominantly based on vowels, the so-called “vowel centric world”; however, consonants have resonance and this may interfere with the quality of the vocal output. Beautiful ultrasound images are offered to give insights on the inner process of singing and also to help improve speaking. Moreover, Dr. Nair shares with the reader her experience using biofeedback in the voice studio. Consonants and tongue are never going to be overlooked again!” —Mara Behlau, PhD

Angelika Nair, PhD, is a professional singer, Vocologist (NCVS), voice pedagogue, and owner of Pro Voce LLC, a voice studio providing private vocal instruction and habilitation, in addition to an academic teaching career.

Dr. Nair researches and specializes in the use of voice technology and kinesthesis and pioneered the practical use and implications of ultrasound as both a voice research and biofeedback tool in the voice studio.

The critical success of this work has led to publications in peer-reviewed journals, 1st Place in the 15th Annual David W. Brewer Award for Best Poster, recipient of the Van Lawrence Award 2020 by the Voice Foundation and the National Association of Teachers of Singing, as well as presentations worldwide. Dr. Nair teaches voice workshops, master classes, and lectures at music schools, conservatories, and universities both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Nair also maintains an active professional performing career throughout the United States and Europe.