Articulatory speech errors and word structure

This study explores how identical final CV syllables in C1VC3V C2VC3V word pairs affect speech error patterns. Recent kinematic studies have shown that speakers frequently added non-intended movements to intended articulatory movements during the first consonants of C1VC3 C2VC3 syllables or reduce the range of the intended movements [1, 2, 3]. This effect was especially strong in syllables that contained identical final consonants, such as in switching from “cop top” to “top cop” [2]. It was hypothesized for the current study that C1VC3V C2VC3V word pairs, in which the second and fourth syllable were identical, would show similar intrusion and reduction patterns. Articulatory movements of the tongue tip, dorsum and lower lip were recorded with the 3D ElectroMagnetic Articulograph (AG501). Stimuli consisted of pairs of open and pairs of closed syllables. The findings revealed that CVCV CVCV word pairs resulted in significant more intrusions than CVC CVC word pairs.