Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-fvjsw Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-15T09:58:20.797Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Consonant–vowel co-occurrence patterns in Mandarin-learning infants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 September 2005

LI-MEI CHEN and
RAYMOND D. KENT
LI-MEI CHEN
Affiliation:
National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, R.O.C.
RAYMOND D. KENT
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the 'Save PDF' action button.

Most studies on CV co-occurrence patterns in early phonetic development have been based on Indo-European languages. Data from infants learning Mandarin, which has a substantially different phonological system from Indo-European languages, can confirm or refute the findings of previous studies, thus shedding further light on the theoretical bases of CV association. Spontaneous vocalizations were recorded in 45-minute sessions for each of 24 Mandarin-learning infants aged 0;7 to 1;6. In addition, the speech production of 24 caregivers was audio-recorded during their natural daily interactions with the infants at home. Both infants' vocalizations and adults' speech were transcribed and analysed for consonant–vowel co-occurrence patterns. These patterns were similar to those in other language groups, but language-specific patterns were evident by 1;0. Combinations of alveolars+front vowels and velars+back vowels confirm Davis & MacNeilage's (1990, 1995) frame-then-content theory and Clements's (1991) model of unified features for consonants and vowels. However, our finding of a language-specific pattern (labials+back vowels) suggests the need to reexamine the ‘pure frame’ of Davis & MacNeilage and Clements's grouping of labials and rounded vowels.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Child Language , Volume 32 , Issue 3 , August 2005, pp. 507 - 534
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press

Footnotes

We are grateful to the infants and their families who participated in both this study and the pilot study. Without their involvement, this work would not have been possible. Their hospitality made the whole recording procedure an enjoyable experience. In revising the manuscript, we appreciate the insightful and detailed comments from the reviewers.