Wavelength and fundamental frequency as determinants of type of intonation

Abstract

In this study, attempts have been made to use wavelength and fundamental frequency as cues to the determination of type of intonation. Twenty five pairs of utterances were produced by native speakers of English and Ika Igbo. These were produced with various tunes and their wavelengths and fundamental frequencies were calculated using the praat software. Though generally, the High Rise intonation showed a consistent relationship between the wavelengths and the Fos, there were much inconsistencies in the other intonation types – Low Rise, Rise Fall and Fall Rise. Hence using Fo and wavelength relationship in determining type of intonation may not be reliable.