Perceiving question intonation: the delayed focal

This paper presents the results of a perception experiment designed to investigate the contribution of a pre-focal hesitation pause, delayed focal peak and a raised F0 range for signaling interrogative mode in Swedish. The results are consistent with a previous study which demonstrated that a delayed peak combined with a raised F0 range can effectively signal interrogative mode in Swedish echo questions. In addition, the present study supports the hypothesis that the presence of a pre-focal hesitation pause strengthens the interpretation of a focal peak delay as signaling question intonation. The results are discussed in terms of a framework of biological codes for universal meanings of intonation proposed by Gussenhoven. An additional biological code is proposed on a behavioral level where cognitive loading results in a hesitation pause or dysfluency which is perceived as non-assertiveness.