Oxygen Stories

Based on the literature, there’s a deep link between speech, breathing, and cognitive processes. Speech breathing is distinct from resting breath: it involves shorter inhalations and longer, controlled exhalations to maintain continuous vocalization and support extended, cohesive thought (McFarland, 2001; Conrad & Schönle, 1979). The control of breath during speech can influence oxygen flow to the brain, affecting cognitive clarity and focus. This relationship ties into the resonance frequencies in the pharynx, which contribute to vocal modulation and potentially harmonize with brainwave patterns, promoting calmness and mental regulation.

Research shows that when speech is shortened or fragmented, as in abbreviated technological communication, the natural cycle is disrupted. In turn, this alteration might reduce the calming effects of deep breathing, influencing stress and attention negatively (Fuchs & Rochet-Capellan, 2020). The resonance in the pharynx, which supports both vocal and neurological balance, becomes less effective when breath patterns are forced into high-frequency, shorter bursts. This compression may affect how well our cognitive systems process and integrate information.

References

Conrad, B., & Schönle, P. W. (1979). Speech and respiration. Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten, 226(4), 251-268. Discusses the physiological changes in speech breathing compared to resting breath and its implications for cognition.

McFarland, D. H. (2001). Respiratory Mechanisms in Speech and Vocalization. Journal of Voice, 15(3), 294-313. Explores the role of breath control in maintaining continuous, coherent speech patterns.

Fuchs, S., & Rochet-Capellan, A. (2020). The Respiratory Foundations of Spoken Language. HAL Archives. This study examines how speech-specific breathing patterns differ from other forms of breath and the cognitive impact of these variations.