A Cross-Linguistc Study of the Perception of the Voicing Contrast in English Plosive

Abstract

The present study investigates what interval is more important than others in the perception of the voicing contrast in English plosives across positions and subjects native languages. Responses were analyzed in terms of the original-signal-to-response correctness and the target-interval robustness. The results showed that the original-signal-to-response correctness was lower in word-medial trochaic positions and in word-final positions. The analyses of the target-interval robustness showed that the interval of release burst and/or aspiration was the most important interval in word-initial positions and in word-medial iambic positions, and the preceding vowel was more important than the other target intervals in word-medial trochaic positions and in word-final positions.