Theoretical approaches mostly associate stressed additive particles (e.g., auch in German) with contrastive topics. Empirical data show that associated constituents are produced more prominently than unassociated ones but not that they are contrastive topics. This paper compares the prosodic realizations of associated constituents with contrastive and non-contrastive topics. We found no differe...

0. Introduction Features which pattern as inert with respect to phonological processes are often unnecessary in distinguishing segments in an inventory. The relationship between phonological activity and contrastiveness has been modeled in theories of underspecification (e.g. Archangeli 1984, Steriade 1987). However, there is no consensus on how to determine which features are contrastive. The ...

Sentences with contrastive intonation are assumed to presuppose contextual alternatives to the accented elements. Two cross-modal priming experiments tested in Dutch whether such contextual alternatives are automatically available to listeners. Contrastive associates – but not noncontrastive associates were facilitated only when primes were produced in sentences with contrastive intonation, ind...

To speak intelligibly is a goal in speaking to be understood oral communication with second language. Mistakes even simple sounds may deter the correct flow of meanings listeners. Thus, this study determined most critical vowel and consonant contrastive among Grade 7 learners Bontoc, Mountain Province. A Phonetic Diagnostic Test (PDT) was administered learners, then tests were checked, tabulate...

In a previous production study [1] we explored the prosodic marking of thematic material in contrastive and non-contrastive contexts in German. While both conditions resulted in a prenuclear rise, we found that themes in contrastive context exhibited a significantly longer stressed vowel, together with a higher and later peak. Interestingly, speakers varied as to whether they used peak alignmen...

According to Ladefoged and Maddieson (1999), nasals are among the most common sounds in languages around the world. As the most common sounds, these three nasals are presumably among the easiest to produce and acquire. However, Mandarin speakers seem to have difficulty articulating English /n, ŋ/ codas. For example, Hansen’s (2001) study reveals that Mandarin speakers tend to produce English /ŋ...