Phonetics and phonology of Cuzco Quechua declarative intonation: An instrumental analysis

• Published in: Journal of the International Phonetic Association Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 291 - 312
• Main Author: O'Rourke, Erin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01-12-2009; Cambridge University Press for the International Phonetic Association
• Subjects: Acoustic phonetics; Comparative linguistics; Cues; Descriptive studies and applied theories; Fundamental frequency; Intonation; Language contact; Lexical stress; Linguistic complements; Linguistics; Phonetic analysis; Phonetics; Phonological intonation; Phonology; Phonology phonetics relationship; Phrases; Quechua language; Solmization; Syllables; Tone of voice; Verbs; Peru; Intonation; Acoustic phonetics; Phonology; Declarative; Quechua
• ISSN: 0025-1003; 1475-3502
• DOI: 10.1017/S0025100309990144

This paper offers an analysis of Cuzco Quechua intonation using experimental techniques to examine one of the acoustic cues of pitch, the fundamental frequency or F0. While previous descriptions in the literature are based on auditory impression, in the present study recordings were made of read declaratives produced by native Quechua speakers in Cuzco, Peru. This paper provides an initial characterization of high and low tones with respect to the stressed syllable, as well as information regarding the height and alignment of these tones. In addition, the intonational marking of intermediate phrases within an utterance is discussed. Research on Quechua intonation can be used to begin to address several issues regarding the intonation of languages in contact, as well as to provide data for a future cross-linguistic analysis of indigenous language intonation features.