F₀ Timing in Kinyarwanda

In Kinyarwanda (Bantu, Rwanda), a high tone can occur on either the first or the second mora of a syllable. A study of f₀ timing in the language was undertaken to determine how such a contrast is realized phonetically, and how this realization is affected by phrase position, word position, and distance from a following high tone. The study also aimed to explore a reported effect of ‘tone anticipation’ (raising of pitch in a syllable before a high tone) in the language. The study found significant effects of the position of a tone within the syllable, its position within the phrase, and its position with respect to following high tones. Models of f₀ timing in Kinyarwanda are proposed, demonstrating the role of moras in phonetic implementation of tone. These models clarify issues regarding the phonological representation of tones in Kinyarwanda, and the division between phonetic patterns and phonological ones.

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