Effect of word length on vowel production by Mandarin and American speakers: Comparison of [i] and [ɪ

Abstract

Yang (2008) found that Mandarin speakers’ productions of [eɪ] and [ε] (as in gate‐get) showed much less difference than Americans made. In addition, they made a smaller distinction in disyllables than in monosyllables. The current study compares the production of [i] and [ɪ] (beat‐bit) in the same conditions. Target‐vowels were embedded in Stop‐V‐Stop context in carrier sentences. Vowel durations were measured after stop release until final closure. Formant measurements were made at two time‐points for each token. Preliminary analysis extends previous results of reduced contrast between tense and lax vowels by the Mandarin speakers to vowels [i]‐[ɪ] and also shows greater reduction of the contrast in disyllabic words relative to monosyllables. The Mandarin speakers’ formants for [i]‐[ɪ] were almost identical in the disyllabic words, and their duration ratios were not significantly different, whereas American speakers’ measurements were very different between two vowels and the same in disyllables as monosyllables. The current study provides further evidence for an effect of word length on English vowel contrasts by Mandarin speakers.