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Imitation and the emergence of segments
1Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT 06511-6695, USA.
Phonetica
|September 19, 2000
Summary
Discrete phonetic segments in language are proposed to be subjective gestural structures. These emerge from imitating acoustic signals using the vocal system, supported by evidence of somatotopic organization in speech perception.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Neuroscience
- Speech Science
Background:
- Language relies on discrete phonetic segments.
- The origin of these segments is debated.
- The vocal apparatus's role in speech production is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that phonetic segments are subjective gestural structures.
- To explore the ontogenetic and evolutionary emergence of these structures.
- To link vocal machinery organization to speech imitation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical argumentation.
- Analysis of evidence for vocal machinery somatotopy.
- Review of perceptual studies on speech signals.
Main Results:
- Phonetic segments emerge from imitating continuous acoustic signals.
- Vocal machinery exhibits neuroanatomical segmentation and somatotopy.
- Place of articulation information is perceptually salient in speech.
Conclusions:
- Discrete phonetic segments are gestural structures shaped by vocal anatomy.
- Speech imitation is a mechanism for segment emergence.
- Somatotopic organization influences speech perception and development.