Timing and Communicative Functions of Pitch Contours

Abstract

A new research paradigm is applied to F(0) synchronization with articulation, in peak and valley contours, under four principles: (a) Timing of F(0) contours enters the definitions of the pitch categories. (b) These phonetic exponents are linked to communicative functions. (c) The listener plays a pivotal role. (d) Contextualization of test stimuli is essential for pitch data collection. Data are presented and interpreted from an experimental investigation of the substance-function relationship in the perception of peak and valley shift series by German listeners, using the semantic differential technique. The findings of the substance-function relationship are explained with reference to the frequency code and to auditory enhancement,i.e. syntagmatic contrast of high-low or low-high pitch trajectories in synchronization with articulatory landmarks of accented syllables.