Distributions of [r]-deletion and [w]-substitution in English C[r] clusters by Cantonese speakers

Abstract

Literature shows that Cantonese speakers often delete [r] in C[r] clusters in English (e.g. [pɪnt] for “print”). However, based on our observation, [w] substitution of [r] is also apparent during speech. Experiment was conducted to see the distribution of deletion and substitution and investigated the effects of the place of articulation and syllable structure on the distribution of C[r] production. Ten non-English-major university students participated in the study. Stimuli were randomized and repeated 10 times in a passage, contrasting consonants between open and closed syllables (C[r]V vs. C1[r]VC1) in three vowel conditions (/i, a, u/). Two-way ANOVA was used for statistics. Preliminary results show that overall, substitution is more dominant than deletion for the clusters, particularly with velars. Deletion, though much less than substitution, is only observed with bilabials whereas alveolar clusters are mostly pronounced correctly. Also, substitution and deletion tend to occur more in closed syllables than in open syllables. Findings suggest that such distributions are based on the speakers' articulatory strategy of gestural economy.