Articulatory and acoustic correlates of the [s-š] distinction

Abstract

Spectra for the consonants [s] and [š] show a distinct difference in the frequency of the lowest major spectral peak. Introspection suggests that the difference is due to the creation of a space between the tongue tip and the mandibular alveolar ridge for [š] but not for [s]. Acoustical calculations show that the abrupt decrease in the natural frequency of the cavity anterior to the tongue constriction as contact between tongue tip and lower teeth is broken has a magnitude consistent with acoustical observations. To test this hypothesis concerning the distinctive differences in tongue-tip contact associated with the [s-š] contrast, observations of contact of the tongue with the lower incisors and alveolar ridge were made by looking at the change in resistance caused by bridging across two electrodes fixed to the teeth. Although the transduction technique did not permit as detailed an examination as desired, data for three subjects indicate that there is a strong contact for /s/ and little or no contact for /š/. A side result is the finding of an apparent anatomically dependent contact for front vowels versus lack of contact for back vowels. [Supported by NINCDS.]