The Role of Pitch Contours in Teaching Vowel Length Distinctions in Japanese
- Masanori Deguchi (Western Washington University)
Abstract
Despite the significant difference in duration, vowel length distinctions have perpetually troubled learners of Japanese. Some studies have found that, while traditionally described as a “quantitative†distinction, the duration itself is not a reliable cue for discerning vowel lengths (e.g., Hirata, 2004). The present study therefore explores the possibility of capitalizing on a “qualitative†distinction, particularly different pitch contours, as a more reliable cue.
How to Cite:
Deguchi, M., (2014) “The Role of Pitch Contours in Teaching Vowel Length Distinctions in Japanese”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 6(1).
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