1.Study on structure and functions of organs involved in the formation of khuumii sound
Rentsendorj Ts ; Enebish S ; Juramt B ; Uurtuya Sh ; Shine-Od D ; Ganchimeg P ; Byambasuren L ; Dorjsuren Ts ; Erdembileg Ts ; Amgalanbaatar D ; Dagdanbazar B ; Nyamdorj D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;192(2):3-9
Introduction:
Khuumii (throat singing) is a unique form of art derived from the nomadic population of Central Asia,
producing two or more “simultaneous” sounds and melodies through the organ of speech.
Material and Methods:
The aim of the study is to identify the anatomical structures involved in the formation of khuumii
and the features and patterns of their functions and compare each type of khuumii as performed by
Mongolian people. A total of 60 participants aged 18-60 years (54 men and 6 women) were selected
by non-random sampling method using cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS 23 software using questionnaires, X-ray, endoscopy, sound research method, and
general blood tests.
Results:
90.7% of the khuumii singers were male and 9.3% were female. The average height of the participants
was 172.91±0.93 cm (arithmetic mean and mean error), average body weight was 77.53±2.46 kg,
and body mass index was 25.93±5.31 respectively. Heart rate was 92.19±20.71 per minute prior to
khuumii while 133.19±19.09 after performing khuumii and 85.81-98.56 at 95% confidence interval. In
terms of ethnicity (ethnographically), the Khalkh were the largest ethnic group (72.1%), followed by
Bayad, Buryatia, Darkhad, Torguud, and Oirat (2.3%), respectively. 60.5% of the participants were
professional khuumii singers who graduated from relevant universities and colleges. The process of
Khuumii was recorded by X-ray examination, and laryngeal endoscopy evaluated the movement of
true and false vocal chords, interstitial volume, movements of epiglottis and arytenoid cartilage, and
mucosa. Khuumii increases the workload of the cardiovascular system by 70-80%. Furthermore, the
sound frequency is 2-4 times higher than that of normal speech, and sound volume is 0.5-1 times
higher. 95.3% of throat singers did not have a sore throat, 88.4% did not experience heavy breathing,
and 74.1% had no hoarseness. During the formation of khuumii sound, thoracic cavity, diaphragm,
and lungs regulate the intensity of the air reaching the vocal folds, exert pressure on the airways and
vibrate the sound waves through air flows passing through the larynx and vocal folds. Mouth-nose
cavity as well as pharynx are responsible for echoing the sound.
Conclusion
It is appropriate to divide khuumii into two main types according to structural and functional changes
in the organs involved; shakhaa and kharkhiraa. Khuumii, the “Human music” originating from the
people of Altai Khangai basin by imitating the sounds of nature with their own voice in ancient times,
spread all over the world from Mongolia and it is proposed to classify khuumii into two main types of
shakhaa and kharkhiraa in terms of structural involvement and functionality.