Introduction: Previous research indicated the existence of a possible link between acoustic features and sexual orientation, with individuals of different orientations exhibiting distinct speech patterns. However, findings have been inconsistent, and studies on Mandarin speakers remain limited. This study explores the acoustic characteristics of Taiwanese Mandarin-speaking males and whether listeners can accurately perceive sexual orientation from speech. Methods: Four male participants—two self-identified homosexuals and two heterosexuals—were analyzed for tone variation, vowel formant frequencies, consonant duration, and frequency center of gravity. Additionally, 25 non-expert listeners assessed the recordings to determine the likely sexual orientation of the speakers. Results: Homosexual speakers exhibited a significantly narrower pitch range and smaller vowel space compared to heterosexuals. While consonant duration was similar, the frequency center of gravity for fricatives and affricates was higher in homosexual speakers. In perceptual evaluations, 16 out of 25 listeners correctly identified sexual orientation, with an overall accuracy of 82%. Discussion & conclusion: Results demonstrated that homosexual speakers have unique acoustic characteristics that might be affected by sociocultural conditions or gender characteristics. Pitch range, vowel space, and frequency center of gravity may provide important cues. Nonetheless, for a subset of listeners, identifying gender from speech is a challenge, which implies that other linguistic features, such as intonation, contextual cues, or social factors, may contribute perceptually as well. Due to the small sample size, future studies should include a larger and more diverse group of speakers and listeners, more sophisticated acoustic analytical methods, and broader linguistic and cultural considerations.

Authors:
Chun-Yi Lin, Asia University, Taiwan
Yu-Wei Liao, Asia University, Taiwan
Hui-Shan Chang, Asia University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Mr.Yu Wei Liao. Currently a postgraduate student in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at the Asia university, Taiwan.

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