Introdução: Ao consideramos que o crescimento craniofacial no indivíduo com fissura labiopalatina (FLP) é influenciado pela própria fissura e pelas cirurgias para sua correção, surgem questionamentos importantes quanto ao uso de medidas normativas obtidas com indivíduos que não apresentaram FLP para interpretar achados na fissura. Em 1957, Subtelny publicou medidas da extensão (ETV) e espessura (EPV) do palato mole e da profundidade da velofaringe (PN) e seus achados são usados como normas de referência para interpretar medidas na FLP. As normas foram calculadas a partir de telerradiografias obtidas ao longo de 18 anos em 30 norte-americanos sem fissura. No gerenciamento da FLP medidas das estruturas e espaços velofaríngeos podem contribuir para o diagnóstico da disfunção velofaríngea e documentação sistemática de resultados do tratamento. Objetivo: O objetivo principal deste estudo foi estabelecer ETV, EPV, e PNF na FLP operada e fala normal. Metodologia: As medidas foram determinadas a partir de telerradiografia em norma lateral para sujeitos com fissura transforame incisivo unilateral operada (FTIUO) que obtiveram fala normal após palatoplastia. A razão entre a medida de profundidade da nasofaringe e extensão velar (RPE) também foi estabelecida e os achados foram comparados com os dados de Subtelny. Os prontuários dos pacientes estudados foram consultados para confirmar fala normal no dia da radiográfica. As medidas foram realizadas com o programa Dolphin Imaging, versão 11.0, com análise de Arnett-Gunson FAB. Medidas da média e desvio padrão foram usadas para descrição dos achados com apresentação em tabelas e gráficos. O teste t não pareado foi usado para testar a hipótese de existência de diferença estatisticamente significante entre as medidas deste estudo e as normas de Subtelny, considerando-se estatisticamente significantes os resultados onde p < 0,05. Resultados: Foi analisado um total de 260 telerradiografias, sendo que 120 do gênero feminino e 140 masculino, com idades entre 5 e 14 anos. Comparando-se as medidas com os dados de Subtelny, observou-se: a) diferenças significantes para a medida ETV dos 05 aos 11 anos e 13 anos, sugerindo que o palato de pacientes com FTIUO com fala normal é mais curto do que de Subtelny na maioria das idades estudadas; b) diferenças significantes para a medida EPV nas idades de 5, 11, 12 e 14 anos, sugerindo que o palato de pacientes com FTIUO com fala normal é mais espesso do que de Subtelny, em algumas das idades estudadas; c) diferenças significantes para a medida PNF dos 05 aos 13 anos, sugerindo que espaço nasofaríngeo em pacientes com FTIUO com fala normal é mais estreito do que de Subtelny na maioria das idades estudadas; e d) diferença estatisticamente significante na RPE para as idades de 05 a 09 anos e 12 e 13 anos, sugerindo potencial para fechamento velofaríngeo e, portanto, corroborando o critério de fala normal. Discussão: Este estudo revelou medidas de EPV, ETV, e PNF para indivíduos com FTIUO significantemente diferentes daquelas propostas por Subtelny. Mesmo na presença de palato mais curto os pacientes estudados apresentavam fala normal sugerindo fechamento velofaríngeo adequado. Este achado pode ser decorrente de aumento de tecido linfático na população com FTIUO, o que foi confirmado com a medida de PNF que indica nasofaringe significantemente mais estreita na população estudada. O palato mole neste estudo foi muito mais espesso nos pacientes com fissura o que pode ser resultado da cicatrização velar ou uso de procedimento cirúrgico envolvendo a sobreposição de músculos o que explica aumento de tecido mole na área estudada. Conclusão: Como muitos dos achados deste estudo foram significantemente diferente das normas estabelecidas por Subtelny, sugere-se que as medidas propostas em 1957 não são representativas da população com FTIUO e fala normal. Propõe-se a importância de estabelecerem-se medidas normativas das estruturas e espaços velofaríngeos para populações específicas, de forma a contribuir para documentação de resultados do tratamento e complementar o processo diagnóstico e a definição da conduta para tratar a DVF. Telerradiografias são obtidas sistematicamente para os pacientes com FLP ao redor dos 8 anos na maioria dos centros craniofaciais ao redor do mundo, as medidas estudadas podem (e deveriam) ser obtidas para todos os pacientes (com e sem fala normal) nesta idade. / Introduction: Considering that craniofacial growth in individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) is affected by the cleft and the surgeries to correct the anomaly, important questions can be made regarding interpreting clinical findings for individuals with CLP using normative data obtained with a population without CLP. In 1957, Subtelny published data about the length (LSP) and width (WSP) of the soft palate and depth of the nasopharynx (DNP) and his findings are used until today as reference for interpretation of measures of velopharyngeal structure and space in the population with CLP. Subtelnys norms were calculated using cephalometric X-rays (CEPH) obtained during the first 18 years of life of 30 North-American speakers without CLP. While managing CLP measures of velopharyngeal structures and spaces can contribute in the diagnosis of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and systematic documentation of treatment outcome. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to establish LSP, WSP, and DNP in individuals with CLP and normal speech. Methodology: The measures of LSP, WSP and DNP were determined using CEPHs obtained from a group of individuals with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (OUCLP) and normal speech after primary palatoplasty. The ratio between the measures of DNP and LSP (RDL) was also calculated and all findings were compared to Subtelnys. All CEPHs in a UCLPs data bank were considered for this study. Patients charts were reviewed to confirm normal speech. The measures were obtained using Arnett and Gunson FAB cephalometric analysis in Dolphin Imaging program (version 11.0). Mean and standard deviation measures were used to describe the findings which are presented in tables and graphs. Students t-test (unpaired) was used to test the hypothesis that this studys findings were significantly different than Subtelnys, with significance established at p<0.05. Results: A total of 260 CEPHs were studied, 120 from females and 140 from males between 5 and 13 years of age. Comparing this studys measures to Subtelnys we observed: a) significant difference in LSP between 5 and 11 years and 13 years, suggesting that the soft palate in individuals with OUCLP with normal speech is significantly shorten than Subtelnys for most ages studied; b) significant difference in WSP at 5, 11, 12 and 14 years of age, suggesting that the soft palate in individuals with OUCLP with normal speech is significantly thicker than the palates in Subtelnys for some age groups; c) significant difference in DNP between 5 and 13 years of age, suggesting that nasopharyngeal space in individuals with OUCLP with normal speech is significantly narrower than Subtelnys, for most ages studied; d) significant difference in RPE was found between 5 and 9 years and at 12 and 13 years of age suggesting potential for velopharyngeal closure and, therefore, corroborating criteria of normal speech. Discussion: This study revealed measures of LSP, WSP and DNP significantly different for individuals with OUCLP and normal speech when compared to Subtelnys norms for several age groups. Even though a much shorten soft palate was found (LSP), all patients studied presented with normal speech indicative of adequate velopharyngeal closure. This finding may be related to enlarged lymphatic tissue (adenoids) in the population with OUCLP and is supported in this study by reduced measures of DNP which revealed nasopharynx significantly narrower for the individuals with OUCLP when compared to the norms. The soft palate in this study was thicker which may be the result of velar scarring or the use of a surgical procedure involving muscle transpositioning during palatal repair which can explain more soft tissue in the area studied. Conclusion: Most findings for this study were significantly different than the reference norms established by Subtelny, suggesting that the norms, proposed in 1957 are not representative of population with OUCLP with normal speech. Establishing population specific normative data about size of velopharyngeal structures and spaces is important and can contribute adding an information about the outcome of cleft repair and also complement the diagnostic process supporting the identification of the best treatment for VPD. Since CEPH are systematically obtained for patients with CLP around 8 years of age in most craniofacial centers around the world, measures of LSP, WSP, DNP and RDL can (and should) be obtained for all patients(with and without normal speech) at this age.

Introdução: Ao consideramos que o crescimento craniofacial no indivíduo com fissura labiopalatina (FLP) é influenciado pela própria fissura e pelas cirurgias para sua correção, surgem questionamentos importantes quanto ao uso de medidas normativas obtidas com indivíduos que não apresentaram FLP para interpretar achados na fissura. Em 1957, Subtelny publicou medidas da extensão (ETV) e espessura (EPV) do palato mole e da profundidade da velofaringe (PN) e seus achados são usados como normas de referência para interpretar medidas na FLP. As normas foram calculadas a partir de telerradiografias obtidas ao longo de 18 anos em 30 norte-americanos sem fissura. No gerenciamento da FLP medidas das estruturas e espaços velofaríngeos podem contribuir para o diagnóstico da disfunção velofaríngea e documentação sistemática de resultados do tratamento. Objetivo: O objetivo principal deste estudo foi estabelecer ETV, EPV, e PNF na FLP operada e fala normal. Metodologia: As medidas foram determinadas a partir de telerradiografia em norma lateral para sujeitos com fissura transforame incisivo unilateral operada (FTIUO) que obtiveram fala normal após palatoplastia. A razão entre a medida de profundidade da nasofaringe e extensão velar (RPE) também foi estabelecida e os achados foram comparados com os dados de Subtelny. Os prontuários dos pacientes estudados foram consultados para confirmar fala normal no dia da radiográfica. As medidas foram realizadas com o programa Dolphin Imaging, versão 11.0, com análise de Arnett-Gunson FAB. Medidas da média e desvio padrão foram usadas para descrição dos achados com apresentação em tabelas e gráficos. O teste t não pareado foi usado para testar a hipótese de existência de diferença estatisticamente significante entre as medidas deste estudo e as normas de Subtelny, considerando-se estatisticamente significantes os resultados onde p < 0,05. Resultados: Foi analisado um total de 260 telerradiografias, sendo que 120 do gênero feminino e 140 masculino, com idades entre 5 e 14 anos. Comparando-se as medidas com os dados de Subtelny, observou-se: a) diferenças significantes para a medida ETV dos 05 aos 11 anos e 13 anos, sugerindo que o palato de pacientes com FTIUO com fala normal é mais curto do que de Subtelny na maioria das idades estudadas; b) diferenças significantes para a medida EPV nas idades de 5, 11, 12 e 14 anos, sugerindo que o palato de pacientes com FTIUO com fala normal é mais espesso do que de Subtelny, em algumas das idades estudadas; c) diferenças significantes para a medida PNF dos 05 aos 13 anos, sugerindo que espaço nasofaríngeo em pacientes com FTIUO com fala normal é mais estreito do que de Subtelny na maioria das idades estudadas; e d) diferença estatisticamente significante na RPE para as idades de 05 a 09 anos e 12 e 13 anos, sugerindo potencial para fechamento velofaríngeo e, portanto, corroborando o critério de fala normal. Discussão: Este estudo revelou medidas de EPV, ETV, e PNF para indivíduos com FTIUO significantemente diferentes daquelas propostas por Subtelny. Mesmo na presença de palato mais curto os pacientes estudados apresentavam fala normal sugerindo fechamento velofaríngeo adequado. Este achado pode ser decorrente de aumento de tecido linfático na população com FTIUO, o que foi confirmado com a medida de PNF que indica nasofaringe significantemente mais estreita na população estudada. O palato mole neste estudo foi muito mais espesso nos pacientes com fissura o que pode ser resultado da cicatrização velar ou uso de procedimento cirúrgico envolvendo a sobreposição de músculos o que explica aumento de tecido mole na área estudada. Conclusão: Como muitos dos achados deste estudo foram significantemente diferente das normas estabelecidas por Subtelny, sugere-se que as medidas propostas em 1957 não são representativas da população com FTIUO e fala normal. Propõe-se a importância de estabelecerem-se medidas normativas das estruturas e espaços velofaríngeos para populações específicas, de forma a contribuir para documentação de resultados do tratamento e complementar o processo diagnóstico e a definição da conduta para tratar a DVF. Telerradiografias são obtidas sistematicamente para os pacientes com FLP ao redor dos 8 anos na maioria dos centros craniofaciais ao redor do mundo, as medidas estudadas podem (e deveriam) ser obtidas para todos os pacientes (com e sem fala normal) nesta idade. / Introduction: Considering that craniofacial growth in individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) is affected by the cleft and the surgeries to correct the anomaly, important questions can be made regarding interpreting clinical findings for individuals with CLP using normative data obtained with a population without CLP. In 1957, Subtelny published data about the length (LSP) and width (WSP) of the soft palate and depth of the nasopharynx (DNP) and his findings are used until today as reference for interpretation of measures of velopharyngeal structure and space in the population with CLP. Subtelnys norms were calculated using cephalometric X-rays (CEPH) obtained during the first 18 years of life of 30 North-American speakers without CLP. While managing CLP measures of velopharyngeal structures and spaces can contribute in the diagnosis of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and systematic documentation of treatment outcome. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to establish LSP, WSP, and DNP in individuals with CLP and normal speech. Methodology: The measures of LSP, WSP and DNP were determined using CEPHs obtained from a group of individuals with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (OUCLP) and normal speech after primary palatoplasty. The ratio between the measures of DNP and LSP (RDL) was also calculated and all findings were compared to Subtelnys. All CEPHs in a UCLPs data bank were considered for this study. Patients charts were reviewed to confirm normal speech. The measures were obtained using Arnett and Gunson FAB cephalometric analysis in Dolphin Imaging program (version 11.0). Mean and standard deviation measures were used to describe the findings which are presented in tables and graphs. Students t-test (unpaired) was used to test the hypothesis that this studys findings were significantly different than Subtelnys, with significance established at p<0.05. Results: A total of 260 CEPHs were studied, 120 from females and 140 from males between 5 and 13 years of age. Comparing this studys measures to Subtelnys we observed: a) significant difference in LSP between 5 and 11 years and 13 years, suggesting that the soft palate in individuals with OUCLP with normal speech is significantly shorten than Subtelnys for most ages studied; b) significant difference in WSP at 5, 11, 12 and 14 years of age, suggesting that the soft palate in individuals with OUCLP with normal speech is significantly thicker than the palates in Subtelnys for some age groups; c) significant difference in DNP between 5 and 13 years of age, suggesting that nasopharyngeal space in individuals with OUCLP with normal speech is significantly narrower than Subtelnys, for most ages studied; d) significant difference in RPE was found between 5 and 9 years and at 12 and 13 years of age suggesting potential for velopharyngeal closure and, therefore, corroborating criteria of normal speech. Discussion: This study revealed measures of LSP, WSP and DNP significantly different for individuals with OUCLP and normal speech when compared to Subtelnys norms for several age groups. Even though a much shorten soft palate was found (LSP), all patients studied presented with normal speech indicative of adequate velopharyngeal closure. This finding may be related to enlarged lymphatic tissue (adenoids) in the population with OUCLP and is supported in this study by reduced measures of DNP which revealed nasopharynx significantly narrower for the individuals with OUCLP when compared to the norms. The soft palate in this study was thicker which may be the result of velar scarring or the use of a surgical procedure involving muscle transpositioning during palatal repair which can explain more soft tissue in the area studied. Conclusion: Most findings for this study were significantly different than the reference norms established by Subtelny, suggesting that the norms, proposed in 1957 are not representative of population with OUCLP with normal speech. Establishing population specific normative data about size of velopharyngeal structures and spaces is important and can contribute adding an information about the outcome of cleft repair and also complement the diagnostic process supporting the identification of the best treatment for VPD. Since CEPH are systematically obtained for patients with CLP around 8 years of age in most craniofacial centers around the world, measures of LSP, WSP, DNP and RDL can (and should) be obtained for all patients(with and without normal speech) at this age.

Objetivos: Estabelecer a espessura (EPV) e a extensão (ETV) do véu palatino, a profundidade da nasofaringe (PNF) e a razão PNF/ETV para um grupo de indivíduos sem fissura labiopalatina (FLP) e sem disfunção velofaríngea (DVF). Analisar as diferenças nas medidas entre: a) padrões faciais tipo I, II e III; b) sexos; c) as medidas deste estudo e as normativas de Subtelny (1957), e d) as medidas deste estudo e os achados de Souza (2013). Material e método: A EPV, ETV e PNF, e razão PNF/ETV foram mensuradas para um grupo de 234 telerradiografias. As imagens estudadas foram obtidas de um grupo de brasileiros com idades entre 5 e 14 anos e foram agrupadas de acordo com o padrão facial I (N=105), II (N=69) e III (N=60) e distribuídas de acordo com o sexo feminino (N=130) e o masculino (N=104). Após escaneadas usando-se o software Dolphin Imaging (versão 11.5) as medidas de interesse foram estabelecidas usando-se princípios da cefalometria e a razão PNF/ETV foi calculada. As medidas foram comparadas com as normativas de Subtelny (1957) e com os achados de Souza (2013). Resultados: Entre os padrões faciais I, II e III não houve diferença significativa na EPV e na razão PNF/ETV; a ETV foi significativamente menor no padrão III nas idades de 6 e 8 anos; a PNF foi significativamente menor no padrão III na idade de 6 anos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os sexos. No presente estudo o véu palatino foi mais fino do que as normas de Subtelny em todas as idades; o véu também foi mais curto do que as normas entre 8 e 14 de idade; as medidas da profundidade da nasofaringe foram similares às normas com valores ligeiramente abaixo aos 6, 9 e 14 anos e acima aos 5, 6 e 10 anos; a razão PNF/ETV foi maior que a norma aos 9, 11, 12 e 14 anos de idade. Ao comparar os achados com os de Souza (2013) o véu palatino, no presente estudo, foi mais estreito em todas as idades e a extensão foi maior aos 6 e 7 anos e menor aos 12 e 14 anos; a nasofaringe foi mais profunda e a razão PNF/ETV foi maior, exceto aos 14 anos de idade. Conclusão: Normas preliminares com medidas da EPV, ETV, PNF e PNF/ETV foram estabelecidas para indivíduos representativos da diversidade étnico-racial dos brasileiros. Achados diferentes dos de Subtelny (1957) e de Souza (2013) sugerem que brasileiros apresentam variações nas medidas com importância para a interpretação clínica e uso destas informações no processo diagnóstico e na definição da melhor conduta para correção da DVF. / Objectives: To establish velar width (VW), velar length (VL), depth of nasopharynx (DN) and the ration DN/VL for a group of individuals without cleft lip and palate (CLP) and without velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). To compare measures between: a) facial pattern I, II and III; b) between sexes; c) with Subtelnys norms (1957); d) with Souzas findings (2013). Material and methods: VW, VL, DN and ratio DN/VL was obtained for a group of 234 cephalometric X-ray. The images were obtained from a group of Brazilians with ages between 5 and 14 years which were grouped according to facial pattern I (N=105), II (N=69) and III (N=60) and distributed according to sex, females (N=130) and males (N=104). After scanning the images using the Dolphin Imaging software (version 11.5), the measures were established using cephalometric principles and the ration DN/VL was calculated. The findings were compared to Subtelnys (1957) norms and to Souzas (2013) data. Results: There was no significant difference in VW and ration DN/VL between facial pattern I, II, III; VL was significantly smaller for facial patter III at ages 6 and 8; and DN was significantly smaller for facial patter III at age 6. There was no significant difference for the measures between males and females. VW was narrower in the present study when compared to Subtelnys norms for all ages studied; VL was shorter in the present study when compared to Subtelnys norms between 8 and 14 years; DN was similar to the norms, slightly lower at ages 6, 9 e 14 years and higher at ages 5, 6 e 10 years; ration DN/VL was above the norms at 9, 11, 12 and 14 years. When comparing the findings to Souzas, VW was narrower for all ages; VL was longer at 6 and 7 years and shorter at 12 and 14 years; DN and the ration DN/VL were greater at all ages, except 14 years. Conclusion: Preliminary norms for VW, VL, DN and ration DN/VL were established for a group of individuals representative of the Brazilian Ethnic-racial diversity. Findings were different from Subtelnys and from Souzas suggesting the importance of considering these variations during clinical interpretation and use of this information during the diagnostic process and to identify the most adequate treatment for VPD.

Objetivos: Estabelecer a espessura (EPV) e a extensão (ETV) do véu palatino, a profundidade da nasofaringe (PNF) e a razão PNF/ETV para um grupo de indivíduos sem fissura labiopalatina (FLP) e sem disfunção velofaríngea (DVF). Analisar as diferenças nas medidas entre: a) padrões faciais tipo I, II e III; b) sexos; c) as medidas deste estudo e as normativas de Subtelny (1957), e d) as medidas deste estudo e os achados de Souza (2013). Material e método: A EPV, ETV e PNF, e razão PNF/ETV foram mensuradas para um grupo de 234 telerradiografias. As imagens estudadas foram obtidas de um grupo de brasileiros com idades entre 5 e 14 anos e foram agrupadas de acordo com o padrão facial I (N=105), II (N=69) e III (N=60) e distribuídas de acordo com o sexo feminino (N=130) e o masculino (N=104). Após escaneadas usando-se o software Dolphin Imaging (versão 11.5) as medidas de interesse foram estabelecidas usando-se princípios da cefalometria e a razão PNF/ETV foi calculada. As medidas foram comparadas com as normativas de Subtelny (1957) e com os achados de Souza (2013). Resultados: Entre os padrões faciais I, II e III não houve diferença significativa na EPV e na razão PNF/ETV; a ETV foi significativamente menor no padrão III nas idades de 6 e 8 anos; a PNF foi significativamente menor no padrão III na idade de 6 anos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os sexos. No presente estudo o véu palatino foi mais fino do que as normas de Subtelny em todas as idades; o véu também foi mais curto do que as normas entre 8 e 14 de idade; as medidas da profundidade da nasofaringe foram similares às normas com valores ligeiramente abaixo aos 6, 9 e 14 anos e acima aos 5, 6 e 10 anos; a razão PNF/ETV foi maior que a norma aos 9, 11, 12 e 14 anos de idade. Ao comparar os achados com os de Souza (2013) o véu palatino, no presente estudo, foi mais estreito em todas as idades e a extensão foi maior aos 6 e 7 anos e menor aos 12 e 14 anos; a nasofaringe foi mais profunda e a razão PNF/ETV foi maior, exceto aos 14 anos de idade. Conclusão: Normas preliminares com medidas da EPV, ETV, PNF e PNF/ETV foram estabelecidas para indivíduos representativos da diversidade étnico-racial dos brasileiros. Achados diferentes dos de Subtelny (1957) e de Souza (2013) sugerem que brasileiros apresentam variações nas medidas com importância para a interpretação clínica e uso destas informações no processo diagnóstico e na definição da melhor conduta para correção da DVF. / Objectives: To establish velar width (VW), velar length (VL), depth of nasopharynx (DN) and the ration DN/VL for a group of individuals without cleft lip and palate (CLP) and without velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). To compare measures between: a) facial pattern I, II and III; b) between sexes; c) with Subtelnys norms (1957); d) with Souzas findings (2013). Material and methods: VW, VL, DN and ratio DN/VL was obtained for a group of 234 cephalometric X-ray. The images were obtained from a group of Brazilians with ages between 5 and 14 years which were grouped according to facial pattern I (N=105), II (N=69) and III (N=60) and distributed according to sex, females (N=130) and males (N=104). After scanning the images using the Dolphin Imaging software (version 11.5), the measures were established using cephalometric principles and the ration DN/VL was calculated. The findings were compared to Subtelnys (1957) norms and to Souzas (2013) data. Results: There was no significant difference in VW and ration DN/VL between facial pattern I, II, III; VL was significantly smaller for facial patter III at ages 6 and 8; and DN was significantly smaller for facial patter III at age 6. There was no significant difference for the measures between males and females. VW was narrower in the present study when compared to Subtelnys norms for all ages studied; VL was shorter in the present study when compared to Subtelnys norms between 8 and 14 years; DN was similar to the norms, slightly lower at ages 6, 9 e 14 years and higher at ages 5, 6 e 10 years; ration DN/VL was above the norms at 9, 11, 12 and 14 years. When comparing the findings to Souzas, VW was narrower for all ages; VL was longer at 6 and 7 years and shorter at 12 and 14 years; DN and the ration DN/VL were greater at all ages, except 14 years. Conclusion: Preliminary norms for VW, VL, DN and ration DN/VL were established for a group of individuals representative of the Brazilian Ethnic-racial diversity. Findings were different from Subtelnys and from Souzas suggesting the importance of considering these variations during clinical interpretation and use of this information during the diagnostic process and to identify the most adequate treatment for VPD.

The present investigation examines the process of velar palatalization, a feature of Catalan, as seen in the Catalan and in the Spanish of the bilingual speech community of Majorca, Spain. Velar palatalization involves a change in a velar consonant’s place of articulation from velar to palatal; that is, /k, g/ acquire a secondary palatal articulation or acquire a completely new place of articulation. Velar palatalization usually occurs before /i, e, ɛ/ due to coarticulation. Some languages, however, also present this feature before /a, ə/ and word-finally. This is the case of certain dialects of Majorcan Catalan. Traditional descriptions have observed (a) the presence of velar palatalization before front vowels in all dialects of Majorcan Catalan (non-palatalizing area), and (b) the presence of velar palatalization also before /a, ə/, and word-finally only in certain areas of Majorca (palatalizing area). The aims of this dissertation are threefold. The first aim is to provide acoustic data for /k/ in the Catalan spoken in the traditionally palatalizing area, taking as an example the dialect of Manacor, a town of 43,000 inhabitants on the southeastern area of Majorca; and in the Catalan spoken in the non-palatalizing area, taking as an example the dialect of Artà, a town of 7,400 inhabitants on the northeastern coast of Majorca. Providing acoustic data for this contrast is relevant because it has only been documented through descriptive observations. Secondly, my dissertation analyzes vowel /a/ in the Catalan spoken in the two areas. It has been suggested that velar palatalization before /a/ can occur in languages in which /a/ is especially fronted (e.g. French). A comparison of /a/ production from both areas can provide clues regarding the relationship between the process of /k/ palatalization and /a/ fronting (i.e., if /a/ is equally fronted for both areas but there is a palatalization distinction, this could be interpreted as evidence that /a/-fronting triggered /k/-palatalization for the palatalizing area). The third aim of this dissertation is related to societal bilingualism. In situations of language contact, it is not unusual for cross-linguistic transfer to occur; that is, it is common for a bilingual’s language A to affect the perception and production of this bilingual’s language B speech sounds. In particular, this dissertation examines whether velar palatalization, for the individuals that prove to manifest it in their Catalan, is transferred from their first to their second language. The results suggest, first, that there exists, in fact, a difference in the distribution of the process of velar palatalization between the two communities and, importantly, that the process of velar palatalization has been phonologized for the speakers of the palatalizing area. Secondly, the findings suggest that the processes of velar palatalization and /a/-fronting might have stemmed from a relationship of mutual influence in its inception. Finally, there is no evidence of phonological transfer of the process of velar palatalization from dominant to non-dominant speech. The implications of these findings to theories of phonologization as well as of consecutive bilingualism are discussed.

No description available.

This study aims to examine the developmental acquisition trends of English nasal /ŋ/ by Saudi learners of English. According to the previous literature, the velar nasal /ŋ/ presents significant difficulties for learners of English, especially for Arabic speakers. The literature indicates that their most serious problem lies in their tendency to insert a stop after the velar nasal, such as singing /sɪŋɪŋ/ pronounced as [sɪŋgɪŋg]. Accordingly, this study aims to examine this claim by studying Saudi learners of English as a second language to find the types of committed errors, and the effects of length of residence and language use in diminishing such tendencies. For this purpose, participants representing two ranges of length of residence in the US (LOR < 1 year and LOR >4 years) were recruited. The instruments included both a demographic questionnaire and a production task. A list of English words ending with the velar nasal preceded by different vowels was given. Data analysis made use of speech analyzer, descriptive statistics, frequency analyses, and an independent t-test to see if there are significant developmental trends in the acquisition of the target sound. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence in support of some of the most well-known theories in second language acquisition, namely, Contrastive Analysis hypothesis (Lado, 1957), Markedness Differential Hypothesis (Eckman, 1977), and Language Transfer Theory (Odlin, 1986; Gass & Selinker 1994). The absence of the marked velar nasal in coda position and the phonological rules of its use in the marked coda position caused many types of serious mispronunciations in Saudis' oral production of English words that end in such a segment. Resulting types of errors stem from the negative transfer of the allophonic environment of the velar nasal in Arabic language. Such transfer decreases as the length of residence and L2 use increase.

No description available.

As ultrasound imaging gains popularity in speech research, an important question to address is the reliability of the measures taken from these images. This study examines the reliability of hand measures of ultrasound data collected by graduate student researchers in the University of South Florida's speech science lab. Speech production data from Ultrasound analysis of velar fronting (Wodzinski, 2004) and Ultrasound study of errors in speech production (Frisch, 2003) were used to obtain inter-rater reliability measures. This study compares the raters choice of video frame depicting alveolar or velar closure image, anterior and posterior points of closure, tongue blade and velar angle measurements, as well as a measurement of the tongue dorsum distance from the ultrasound probe.

Esta tese investiga a aquisição fonológica variável da nasal velar em coda silábica final (como em living ‘vivendo’ e singing ‘cantando’, por exemplo) por aprendizes brasileiros de inglês como segunda língua. O estudo é motivado pela diferença de status da nasal velar em português (L1, primeira língua) e inglês (L2, segunda língua): enquanto na L1 o segmento é realização fonética resultante de assimilação de ponto de articulação (como em atum, em que a nasal bilabial assimila o traço [+dorsal] da vogal precedente realizando-se como velar), na L2 a nasal velar é fonema (como em sin ‘pecado’ x sing ‘cantar’, realizados com a nasal alveolar e velar, respectivamente). Em algumas comunidades de falantes nativos de inglês, palavras derivadas pelo sufixo {ing} (como read.ing ‘lendo’ e study.ing ‘estudando’, por exemplo) constituem um fenômeno de variação linguística estável, em que os falantes alternam a produção das nasais velar e alveolar no final das palavras. Essa variação é estrutural e socialmente condicionada (LABOV, 1994; 2001). Os dados empíricos deste estudo provêm da fala coletada através de gravações com aprendizes de inglês, que pertecem a dois níveis de proficiência: básico e pré-intermediário. São realizadas duas análises formais: uma que explica a variação sistemática na interlíngua, observável no desempenho dos aprendizes, através do software Goldvarb (SANKOFF, TAGLIAMONTE e SMITH, 2015), e outra que formaliza a organização interna dessa gramática variável, através de algoritmos de aprendizagem vinculados à Teoria da Otimidade Estocástica, o Algoritmo de Aprendizagem Gradual (GLA) (BOERSMA e HAYES, 2001) e o ORTO Ajuste Paramétrico (DORNELLES FILHO, 2014). A Análise de Regra Variável demonstrou que a interlíngua é um sistema linguístico sujeito à variação ordenada como as demais línguas naturais, condicionada por aspectos linguísticos (classe morfológica) e extralinguísticos (nível de proficiência). A variação é verificada pela produção oral dos aprendizes, examinada de oitiva, que alterna as nasais palatal (63,6%) e velar (36,4%) em coda silábica final. A análise estocástica revelou um sistema de interlíngua dominado por restrições de Marcação, cuja variação é decorrente do aumento dos valores de ponto de seleção de restrições de Fidelidade. As restrições diretamente envolvidas na aquisição fonológica variável da nasal velar são AGREEplaceVN#, que exige que a sequência Vogal+Nasal em coda final partilhem ponto de articulação, e IDENTnasal, que requer identidade de traço nasal entre as formas presentes no input e no output. As análises realizadas, que representam a língua dos aprendizes em seus aspectos interno e externo, ou, conforme a terminologia de Chomsky ([1965]1 1975), a competência e o desempenho linguísticos, comprovaram a natureza variável da interlíngua e proporcionaram uma reflexão teórica acerca da possibilidade de diálogo entre o estrutural e o social para a explicação de fenômenos linguísticos variáveis. / This thesis investigates the variable phonological acquisition of the velar nasal in final syllabic coda (such as in living ‘vivendo’ and singing ‘cantando’, for example) by Brazilian learners of English as a second language. The study is motivated by the different status of the velar nasal in Portuguese (L1, first language) and in English (L2, second language): while the segment is a phonetic realization of assimilation of place of articulation in the L1 (‘atum’, where the bilabial nasal assimilates the feature [+dorsal] of the preceding vowel, being realized as velar), the velar nasal is a phoneme in the L2 (sin ‘pecado’ x sing ‘cantar’, realized as the alveolar and velar nasal, respectively). In some native English-speaking communities, words derived from the suffix {ing} (such as read.ing ‘lendo’, study.ing ‘estudando’, for example) are in linguistic stable variation, in which the speakers alternate the production of the alveolar and velar nasal the velar nasal at the end of words. This variation is both structurally and socially conditioned (LABOV, 1994; 2001). The empirical data of this study were collected through recordings with the informants, who belong to two levels of proficiency: basic and pre-intermediate. Two formal analysis are made: one that explains the observable systematic variation in the Interlanguage, through the software Goldvarb (SANKOFF, TAGLIAMONTE and SMITH, 2015) and another that formalizes the internal organization of this variable grammar, through gradual learning algorithms associated to the Stochastic Optimality Theory, the Gradual Learning Algorithm (GLA) (BOERSMA and HAYES, 2001) and the ORTO Ajuste Paramétrico (DORNELLES FILHO, 2014). The Variable Rule Analysis has demonstrated that interlanguage is a linguistic system subject to ordered variation as in all the other natural languages, conditioned by linguistic aspects (morphological class) and extralinguistic ones (level of proficiency). The variation is verified by the oral production of the learners, examined by hearing analysis, which alternates the palatal nasal (63,6%) The stochastic analysis has revealed an Interlanguage system dominated by Markedness constraints, where variation is due to the increase on the values of selection points for Faithfulness constraints. The constraints directly involved in the variable phonological acquisition of the velar nasal are AGREEplaceVN#, which demands the sequence Vowel+Nasal in final coda to share place of articulation, and IDENTnasal, which demands feature identity [+nasal] between input and output forms. The analyses made, which represent the learners’ language in its internal and external aspects, or, according to Chomsky’s terminology ([1965] 1975), the linguistic competence and performance, have proved the variable nature of the Interlanguage and have enabled a theoretical reflection upon the possibility of dialogue between the structural and the social to the explanation of variable linguistic phenomena.