Distinct acoustic properties pattern differently in a sound change in progress in Hong Kong Cantonese

Previous work on Hong Kong Cantonese has reported evidence of an incomplete neutralization between the labialized velar /kʷ/ and plain /k/, where both may be produced as a [k] before /ɔ/, although non-neutralized forms are also to some extent for speakers (Bauer 1982, Zee 1999, To, Mcleod & Cheung 2015). The present study examines this phenomenon acoustically, evaluates what properties labialization in neutralizing environment. Fourteen native were recorded production experiment; these recordings analyzed by examining formant values, duration, rise time intensity vowels following target segments. Results reveal that while many acoustic differences /k/ maintained environment, neutralize F3 duration measures. Patterns variation furthermore suggest utilize differently, indicating greater degrees (incomplete) than others.