The influence of vocalic context on the /s/ − /∫/ distinction in initial and final position

Abstract

Using natural FV and VF productions, where F = /s/, /∫/ and V = /a/, /u/, a series of hybrid stimuli were made by replacing the natural friction with synthesized noises from a nine‐member /s/ − /∫/ continuum. Listeners were asked to label the fricatives in these stimuli as /s/ or /∫/. The identity of both the vowel and the (excised) original fricative influenced labeling of the synthesized noises. More /s/ responses were given in the /u/ context than in the /a/ context for both the FV and VF stimuli. However, the influence of the original fricative was greater for the FV than the VF stimuli. FV stimuli originally beginning with /s/ received more /s/ responses than VF stimuli originally ending with /s/. The acoustic consequences of articulatory timing in FV and VF production can account for these results. Equivalent anticipatory and perseveratory lip rounding in utterances with /u/ should produce symmetrical vowel context effects in perception, while the asymmetrical perceptual influence of original fricative identity can be attributed to differences in the timing of both assimilatory tongue movement and the alternation of periodic and friction noise sources in FV and VF productions. [Work supported by NICHD and BRS.]