Many theories have been put forward to explain how different sound systems evolved. Whether differences in vocal tract shape play a role has so far remained unclear. Dediu et al. document subtle differences among four broad ethnolinguistic groups. Using computer simulations, they demonstrate how differences can be amplified over time, leading to diverse vowel systems.
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Fuchs, S. Vocal tract variations affect vowel sounds. Nat Hum Behav 3, 1043–1044 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0683-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0683-6
