Pitch patterns of intonational phrases and intonational phrase groups in native and non-native speech

We examined pitch patterns within and across intonational phrases of Japanese read aloud by native and non-native (Mandarin Chinese) speakers. Japanese speakers change pitch ranges for each intonational phrase. The relative pitch ranges of neighboring intonational phrases indicate which intonational phrase belongs to which intonational phrase group. Chinese speakers are unable to acoustically convey intonational phrase groups because their intonational phrases have limited and inflexible pitch ranges. Our results might form the basis for developing automated pronunciation learning systems that assist learners in acquiring intonation contours spanning intonation phrases.