Does the closed syllable determine the perception of 'momentary tempo'?

Area of Science:

• Phonetics and Speech Science
• Auditory Perception

Background:

• Previous research explored speech tempo using stress-beat, isochrony, and momentary tempo.
• Ventsov's experiments on momentary tempo provided a basis for further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reproduce and modify Ventsov's experiments on momentary tempo.
• To determine the most accurate framework for describing momentary tempo in speech perception.

Main Methods:

• Replication and modification of existing experimental protocols on momentary tempo.
• Analysis of speech timing based on syllable duration and vowel onset intervals.
• Evaluation of an articulatory theory for speech tempo perception.

Main Results:

• Statements on momentary tempo cannot be solely based on closed syllable duration.
• Vowel onset to vowel onset intervals are insufficient for defining momentary tempo.
• An articulatory theory offers a more suitable explanation for momentary tempo.

Conclusions:

• Momentary tempo in speech perception is better understood through an articulatory lens.
• The concept of 'points of coarticulation', as proposed by Menzerath and de Lacerda, is crucial for explaining momentary tempo.