Whistling Registers in Human Whistling using Vocal Tract Models

The pitch of human whistling corresponds to the resonant frequency of the vocal tract, with the corresponding resonance referred to as a register. However, many aspects of register in human whistling are unclear. In this study, we developed vocal tract models based on magnetic resonance imaging data of the vocal tract while producing two types of whistles with different registers. We then examined the feasibility of identifying the register using the model while analyzing differences in vocal tract shape. The results confirm that the vocal tract shapes differ and that registers can be estimated using this model.