Question has a significant effect on F0 contours in various languages, among which tone languages require more careful study because of the complex interaction between lexical tones and phrase intonation. In this study we employ the command-response model to compare the realization of F0 contours in two types of questions in Cantonese, a typical tone language with nine lexical tones. In intonation question, the tone command in the later part of the sentence-final syllable is substituted by a positive tone command. Particle question, on the other hand, maintains the inherent tone command pattern for the sentence-final particle. In both cases, the effect of question on F0 contours is localized in the sentence-final part, not only by an addition of sentence-final phrase command, but also by the question ending tone command, the absolute amplitude of which is usually larger and also indicates the degree of inquisitive intention.
Cite as: Gu, W., Hirose, K., Fujisaki, H. (2006) A comparative study between intonation question and particle question in Cantonese on their realization of F0 contours. Proc. 2nd International Symposium on Tonal Aspects of Languages (TAL 2006), 61-64
@inproceedings{gu06_tal,
author={Wentao Gu and Keikichi Hirose and Hiroya Fujisaki},
title={{A comparative study between intonation question and particle question in Cantonese on their realization of F0 contours}},
year=2006,
booktitle={Proc. 2nd International Symposium on Tonal Aspects of Languages (TAL 2006)},
pages={61--64}
}