An electropalatographic description of Putonghua fricatives and affricates

Abstract

Lingual-palatal contact patterns for the Putonghua fricatives and affricates (/s/,/s/,/ç/,/z/,/ts/,/tsh/,/ts/,/tsh/,/tz/,/tzh/) are described, using electropalatography. The alveolar, and alveolo–palatal placement of the fricatives and affricates is confirmed by visual inspection of the EPG traces, and by the Centre of Gravity Indices. The placement of the plosive component of the affricate is governed by the fricative component. The Putonghua /s/ resembles the English /s/ and the Cantonese /s/ resembles the Putonghua /ç/. These data can be used as a template for speech therapy for Putonghua speakers with speech disorders.