70 Yoga for Speech-Language Development
et al. 2000). Figure 5.1 illustrates the two processes of inspiration
(inhalation) and expiration (exhalation) that comprise respiration.
Figure 5.1 Inhalation and exhalation phases of respiration
Respiration for speech production
Differences exist between non-speech and speech breathing.
Speech involves the movement and coordination of the
respiratory, phonatory, resonatory, and articulatory systems.
Respiration, which sustains life itself, is the foundation of the four
systems that are involved in speech production. For the inhalation
phase of respiration, non-speech breathing generally involves
more reflexive, less conscious control, whereas speech breathing
involves more voluntary, conscious control (Tobey and Rampp
1987). During speech breathing, the speaker needs to increase the
quantity of air inhaled in order to have sufficient breath capacity
to complete an utterance without interruption. This could be
achieved by increasing either the depth or duration of inhalation,
or both. For exhalation, a relatively constant supply of air pressure
below the vocal folds is needed to drive phonation. The respiratory
system can quickly and momentarily change this pressure to adapt