Punjabi University researchers achieve breakthrough study on speech patterns of Laryngectomy patients
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), October 19, 2025: In a groundbreaking linguistic study, Punjabi University, Patiala has unveiled remarkable insights into how Punjabi speech sounds differ between native speakers and individuals who have undergone total laryngectomy—a surgical removal of the vocal cords.
The pioneering research, conducted by Dr. Ravi Kapoor under the guidance of Dr. Suman Preet Virk in the Department of Linguistics and Punjabi Lexicography, marks the first-ever international-level study of its kind focused on the Punjabi language.
Dr. Suman Preet Virk explained that the research, rooted in clinical linguistics, holds vast potential for advancements in speech therapy, forensic linguistics, and natural language processing. The study focused on patients who regained their ability to speak through a Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis (TEP) device after laryngectomy, comparing their Punjabi pronunciation patterns with those of speakers possessing natural vocal cords.
Using advanced ‘Praat’ software, Dr. Kapoor analyzed nearly 350 spectrogram samples, uncovering detailed variations in vowel duration, pitch intervals, phoneme length, tongue positioning, and aspirated sounds. The research also drew comparisons between Punjabi consonants, including retroflex, nasal, palatal, and fricative sounds, revealing key distinctions in articulation.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh congratulated the research team, noting that Punjabi University continues to expand its research horizons. “It is commendable that our university is now making significant contributions to the field of clinical linguistics, bridging science and language in innovative ways,” he said.