Contributions of F1 and F2 (F2') to the Perception of Plosive Consonants

This study examined the contribution of F1 and F2 alone on the perception of plosive consonants in a CV context. Applying a 3-Bark spectral integration the F2 frequency was corrected for effects of proximity either to F1 or to F3, i.e., was replaced by F2’. Subjects used a two-dimensional Method of Adjustment to select the F1 and F2 consonant onset frequencies that led to a subjectively optimal percept of a predefined target CV. Results indicate that place prototypes are guided by F2 and are largely independent of F1. Nevertheless, while F2 alone is sufficient for segregating place prototypes for some consonants and vocalic contexts, it is insufficient for explaining the perception of place.