Context-induced vowel duration change and intrinsic vowel duration

Abstract

This study investigated the pattern of duration change of vowels of different quality (and intrinsic duration) when spoken in contexts which differently affect duration. Stressed vowel duration was measured in five contexts; test stimuli included all 15 English vowels and diphthongs. Duration change induced by context appeared to be independent of intrinsic vowel duration and vowel quality, and was best described as a constant which combines additively with some measure of intrinsic vowel duration. Results of other studies which examined similar data are discussed.