Korean aegyo speech shows systematic F1 increase to signal childlike qualities

2026-04-27

AI Summary

This study investigates how Korean aegyo (affective, childlike speech style) systematically manipulates vowel space to emulate the acoustic characteristics of children’s speech. Recording 12 native Seoul Korean speakers producing identical utterances in both aegyo and neutral styles, the research analyzes shifts in the first (F1) and second (F2) formant frequencies. It reveals, for the first time, that aegyo elevates F1 across all vowels and selectively advances front vowels, thereby shifting the entire vowel space upward and slightly forward. This articulatory strategy effectively mimics the acoustic consequences of children’s shorter vocal tracts. The findings provide empirical evidence for the phonetic mechanisms underlying vocalic infantilization in expressive language styles.

Abstract

Korean aegyo is a socially recognized childlike speaking style used predominantly in romantic interactions among adults. This study examined vowel space modification in aegyo by analyzing formant frequencies from twelve Seoul Korean speakers who produced identical scripts in aegyo and non-aegyo styles. Results show that aegyo speech features a significant increase in F1 values across vowels and selective fronting of front vowels, leading to vowel space expansion but mainly a shift to higher F1. These findings suggest that adult speakers stylize childlike speech by imitating the shorter vocal tract of children, mainly through global vowel lowering and partial fronting.

Problem

• aegyo
• vowel space
• formant frequencies
• childlike speech
• Korean

Innovation

• aegyo
• formant shift
• vowel space
• F1 increase
• childlike speech