The Effect of Focus on Different Weak Elements Categories: In the Case of Tianjin Mandarin

Le résumé fourni par la source

Weak elements in Tianjin Mandarin are often assumed to have distinct origins and functions across categories, yet the interaction between weak elements in different categories and prosodic focus remain underexplored.Since weak elements are typically not prominent in speech, it is unclear how or if they adjust when they become focused or emphasized.This study analyzes the fundamental frequency (f0) of weak elements in the context of on focus and no focus, produced by twelve Tianjin Mandarin speakers.Results reveal: (1) focus in Tianjin Mandarin operates on weak elements primarily through vertical scaling rather than contour reshaping.While focus significantly expands the pitch range and raises the overall register, it does not alter the temporal shape of the f0 contour.This stability suggests that weak elements lack the active tonal targets necessary for the dynamic sharpening often observed in full tones; (2) the capacity to bear prominence varies.Categories retaining higher lexical autonomy, specifically reduplicated words, habitual weak elements, aspectual particles, and affixes, demonstrate significant flexibility in accommodating prosodic prominence.In contrast, highly grammaticalized clitic-like elements, including functional weak elements, structural particles, and directional verbs resisting no focus-induced expansion.In conclusion, weak elements in Tianjin Mandarin display category-dependent variation in both their capacity to bear focus and the specific acoustic strategies used to realize it.

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