Spectra of the First-Syllable Vowels in the Surgut Dialect of the Khanty Language

The article considers an experimental acoustic description of the first-syllable phonemes in the Surgut dialect of the Khanty language. By applying the method of computer spec- trography to the dialect speakers’ audio recordings, the basic acoustic parameters necessary for describing vocal articulations were revealed. The data on duration and frequencies of the first and second formants for thirteen first-syllable phonemes are given. Each phoneme description is accompanied with its audio sample and spectrogram. Based on these data, conclusions about features relevant for the dialect phonological system were made. The pho­nological model including an opposition of two degrees of duration, three rows, and four heights is substantiated.

Keywords: the Khanty language, the Surgut dialect, phonetics, experimental phonetics, acoustic phonetics, phonology, vowel system, Praat.

Spectra of the First-Syllable Vowels in the Surgut Dialect of the Khanty Language