Abstract
In this study, we investigate whether and how focus and topic can be separately encoded in Mandarin. A total of 60 sentences with three lengths and five tone combinations were recorded in four topic-focus conditions: initial focus, new topic, implicit topic and given topic, by six speakers. The results of acoustic analysis show that new topic is encoded with a raised pitch range on the initial word. Focus, in contrast, is encoded with an expanded pitch range on the focused word and a suppressed pitch range on the subsequent words.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | 3rd International Conference on Speech Prosody 2006 |
| Editors | R. Hoffmann, H. Mixdorff |
| Publisher | International Speech Communications Association |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780000000002 |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 3rd International Conference on Speech Prosody, SP 2006 - Dresden, Germany Duration: 2 May 2006 → 5 May 2006 |
Publication series
| Name | Proceedings of the International Conference on Speech Prosody |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print) | 2333-2042 |
Conference
| Conference | 3rd International Conference on Speech Prosody, SP 2006 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Germany |
| City | Dresden |
| Period | 2/05/06 → 5/05/06 |
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Wang, B., & Xu, Y. (2006). Prosodic encoding of topic and focus in mandarin. In R. Hoffmann, & H. Mixdorff (Eds.), 3rd International Conference on Speech Prosody 2006 (Proceedings of the International Conference on Speech Prosody). International Speech Communications Association.