The present study examines how lexical tone and focus contribute to the formation and alignment of f0contours in speech. This was done through an investigation of f0contour formation in short Mandarin sentences. These sentences all consisted of five syllables with varying tones on the middle three syllables. The sentences were produced by eight Mandarin speakers with four different focus patterns: focus on the first, second, or last word, or with no narrow focus. The f0patterns of these sentences were examined through point-by-point f0tracing, graphical comparison of averaged f0contours, f0-contour-syllable alignment analysis, and analysis of maximum, minimum f0, and slope of f0contours. The results indicate that (a) while the lexical tone of a syllable is the most important determining factor for the local f0contour of the syllable, focus extensively modulates the global shape of the f0curve, which in turn affects the height and even the shape of local contours; (b) the tones of adjacent syllables also extensively influence both the shape and height of the f0contour of a syllable, with the preceding tone exerting more influence than the following tone; (c) despite extensive variations in shape and height, the f0contour of a tone remains closely aligned with the associated syllable; and (d) both focus and tonal interaction may generate substantial f0decline over the course of an utterance. These findings seem to be able to reduce the unpredictability in the formation and alignment of f0contours in speech.

In this paper we propose a preliminary framework for accounting for certain surface F 0 variations in speech. The framework consists of definitions for pitch targets and rules of their implementation. Pitch targets are defined as the smallest operable units associated with linguistically functional pitch units, and they are comparable to segmental phones. The implementation rules are based on possible articulatory constraints on the production of surface F 0 contours. Due to these constraints, the implementation of a simple pitch target may result in surface F 0 forms that only partially reflect the underlying pitch targets. We will also discuss possible implications of this framework on our understanding of various observed F 0 patterns, including carryover and anticipatory variations, downstep, declination, and F 0 peak alignment. Finally, we will consider possible interactions between local and non-local pitch targets. 1.0 Introduction To understand the acoustic manifestation of s...

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In this paper, we propose a preliminary framework for accounting for certain surface F0 variations in speech. The framework consists of de®nitions for pitch targets and rules of their implementation. Pitch targets are de®ned as the smallest operable units associated with linguistically functional pitch units, and they are comparable to segmental phones. The implementation rules are based on possible articulatory constraints on the production of surface F0 contours. Due to these constraints, the implementation of a simple pitch target may result in surface F0 forms that only partially re¯ect the underlying pitch targets. We will also discuss possible implications of this framework on our understanding of various observed F0 patterns, including carryover and anticipatory variations, downstep, declination, and F0 peak alignment. Finally, we will consider possible interactions between local and non-local pitch targets.