The production and perception of incomplete tonal neutralization

Abstract

Through a series of well-controlled experiments, this dissertation provides a comprehensive study of incomplete tonal neutralization regarding both production and perception in Dalian Mandarin. Dalian Mandarin is used in this instance, as it is known for its interesting tonal characteristics between Tone 1 and Tone 4, the two falling tones. Its Tone 2 and Tone 3 are also comparable with Standard Chinese. Therefore, Dalian Mandarin presents us with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of incomplete tonal neutralization in both isolation and tonal contexts. The dissertation consists of six chapters. Chapter 1 briefly introduces the main research questions to be discussed in this dissertation. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on the production of the two falling tones (Tone 1 and Tone 4) in Dalian Mandarin, both in isolation and tonal contexts (in terms of both tone sandhi and tonal coarticulation contexts). Chapter 4 then investigates the online perception of the two falling tones in isolation and in tonal coarticulation contexts. Chapter 5 studies the production and online perception of the 3rd tone sandhi of Dalian Mandarin. Chapter 6 revisits the research questions and concludes the main findings.