A pitch target approximation model for F0 contours in Mandarin

In this paper we report a quantitative model for generating F0 contours in Mandarin Chinese. The model assumes that a) the basic units underlying Mandarin tones are pitch targets that are either static or dynamic, b) each pitch target is assigned to and implemented in synchrony with a syllable, and c) throughout the duration of a syllable, the pitch target is implemented continuously and asymptotically. The model expresses the F0 curve in each syllable as an exponential asymptote that approximates an underlying pitch target. Parameters in the model specify a) the properties of the pitch target, including its height and direction of movement, b) the rate at which the target is approximated, and c) how smoothly two adjacent tones are joined at the syllable boundary. Preliminary effort to fit the model to existing F0 data has yielded encouraging results.