Ever thought about how your brain distinguishes between a person’s singing and that same person’s speech? On the surface, this does not seem particularly complex, correct? However, looking at the psychology of this capability actually quite interesting!
Sounds: a Puzzle That Is Far Too Easy
Most people have great abilities when it comes to hearing sounds. Upon reaching our ears, sound waves are converted into electric impulses, which transfer via the hearing apparatus. Then these signals go somewhere in the brain for processing. But here is what is curious: how can our brain decide which signals to send to the “music” part and to the “language” part?
The Amplitude Modulation Solution
- The latest research has revealed an interesting detail: it does not depend on how much the sound fades but on how fast one fads the sound. Over the years this phenomenon has been named “amplitude modulation.” Look at the following equation.
- Speech: Typical duration of voice volume change during speech is 4 times per second, the duration changing rapidly in every 4-5 seconds of voice high and low pitch.
- Music: In Singing the changing of volumes only happens in a span of 1-2 seconds only.
Such a description is applicable in all languages and styles of music as well. It appears as if it is a sign that our brains remember all sounds and use it to classify them efficiently.
Putting It to the Test
To address this issue and in order to gauge individual differences in perception, the researchers composed special white noise clips that altered in volume at different rates. The participants, over 300 in number, were directed to listen to the clips and choose whether each sounded more like speech or music. The results were quite emphatic.
- A slow and smooth pattern of fluctuations is better assimilated as music
- More rapid and uneven variable fluctuations are skilled and associated with speech
So where the Difference is Coming From? An Evolutionary perspective
But the question remains, how is it that speech and music developed those particular features? Here are some amazing concepts.
- Speech: We speak at a quick pace (4-5 Hz) because that is the best rate of working the mouth’s active muscles that will provide information within a short time.
- Music: The rhythmic qualities of music which tend to be slower (1-2 Hz) perhaps serve the relationship of individuals. It is suitable for coordination of steady movements such as dancing in a group which aids in the unification of people.
What’s the Fun Here
- There are some great benefits to this kind of research with the brains:
- Use of music to enhance the communication of people with language problems
- More efficient systems for recognition of speech
- Understanding human interaction in a better manner
Although there remains much to be discovered, such research allows us a small window into the amazing potential of our brains. The next time you listen to your favorite song or talk to someone, appreciate and value the complexity of the processes that are taking place in your head!
