Statistical Modeling of Mandarin Tone Sandhi: Neutralization of Underlying Pitch Targets

Si Chen, Caroline Wiltshire, Bin Li

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

Abstract

This study statistically models the surface f0 contour and the underlying pitch target of a well-studied third sandhi tone of Mandarin Chinese. Although the growth curve analysis on the surface f0 contours indicates non-neutralization of this sandhi tone (T3) and the base T2, their underlying pitch targets do show neutralization. These results in Mandarin are also consistent with the perception of native speakers, where they cannot distinguish the third T3 from the base T2, compensating contextual variation. It is possible to use the proposed statistical procedure of testing underlying pitch targets to verify tone sandhi processes in other tonal languages.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering
PublisherWorld Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
Pages1140-1145
Volume11(5)
Publication statusPublished - May 2017
EventInternational Conference on Chinese Language and Linguistics - London, London, United Kingdom
Duration: 27 May 201728 May 2017
https://waset.org/apply/2017/05/london/ICCLL?step=1#papers

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Chinese Language and Linguistics
Abbreviated titleICCLL 2017
PlaceUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period27/05/1728/05/17
Internet address

Research Keywords

  • Growth curve analysis
  • tone sandhi
  • underlying pitch targets

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