Friends of Linguistics At the University of Toronto [flLut] and The Society of Linguistics Undergraduate Students (SLUGS) present a lecture by
Kevin Heffernan
PHD, University of Toronto
Macho Men Mumble: Sex Differences in Articulation
A number of phonetics studies have concluded that women tend to articulate their speech more clearly than men. Surprisingly, this sex-based difference in articulation seems to be universal. Some researchers argue that the factors behind the sex difference are primarily biological. However, Dr. Heffernan's research, based on the voices of radio DJs, has led him to conclude that clarity of speech reflects social, not biological, gender. Dr. Heffernan will discuss his research and propose a way to reconcile the universal aspects and social aspects of sex differences in articulation.