In speech, the amplitude of the radiated voiced speech sound is determined by the amplitude of the fundamental voice (in larinx). If we speak loudly, the amplitude of the fundamental voice is greater than if we do it soft. The amplitude of the radiated speech wave is constantly changing. The sound intensity - time function shows it as the word ‘vajaskenyér’ (bread and butter) is uttered.
The relative intensity of speech sounds, however, is independent of our will. This is the relative volume scale that shows how strong is the radiation energy (loudness scale), if one pronounces a sentence normally without any accent and emphasis.The relative intensity of the radiated speech sound is a function of articulation. This relative intensity scale is called: specific intensities. The most intensive vowel is á, as the mouth is strongly opened and there are no obstacles in the articulation channel. The least intensive vowel is i, because the tongue makes a narrowing in the oral cavity. Consonants have usually lower volume on the scale than vowels. The loudest consonants are the s, sz fricatives, the least is h.
