Abstract
Two experiments showed that continuity of the pitch contour is an important perceptual indicator that a formant pattern comes from a single speech source. Subjects listened to repeatedly played formant patterns that changed smoothly between two vowels. When the pitch was a monotone, these patterns were heard as containing semivowels and liquid consonants; but when a discontinuous, steplike pitch contour was imposed on the patterns, they divided into two perceptually distinct speech sources, and the phonemic percept changed to a predominance of stop consonants. In the second experiment, this effect was shown to be due to changes in pitch itself, rather than to concomitant changes in amplitude or energy. Earlier suggestions that continuity of both formant structure and pitch contour are important for the perceptual coherence of speech were borne out.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
