Presentation

The Role of Pitch Contours in Teaching Vowel Length Distinctions in Japanese

Author: 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.

Keywords:

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).