Adolescent voice change in southern Negro males∗

The pitch characteristics of three groups of southern Negro males were investigated by means of the phonellegraphic technique. These groups were composed of six ten‐year‐olds, six fourteen‐year‐olds, and six eighteen‐year‐olds, considered to represent pre‐adolescence, adolescence, and post‐adolescence. The data obtained were compared with results reported by Curry for three similar groups of northern white males. It was found that the southern Negroes exhibited lower pitch levels and experienced an earlier onset of adolescent voice change than did Curry's white subjects. Because of certain uncontrolled variables, however, there is some question whether the reported differences actually were due to race. Notes The authors wish to express their gratitude to Dr. James F. Curtis of the University of Iowa, for his assistance with the project and his preparation of the phonellegrams. Others to whom the authors are indebted are Dr. John Adams, president of Paul Quinn College, and the administrators and teachers of the Waco public school system, especially Mr. Philip Larson and Mrs. Betty Lyles.