The role of F0 and phonation cues in Cantonese low tone perception

For languages that primarily exploit F to signal tonal contrast, the role of phonation cues in tonal perception remains controversial. This study revisits the use of F and phonation cues in Cantonese low tone perception (tone 4, 21/tone 6, 22) using synthesized stimuli. In line with previous studies, F contour and height were found to be the most salient cues, with F height being more important. The effects of non-modal phonation (creaky and breathy voice) were relatively small. Non-modal phonation enhanced low tone perception only in the low F range. The results are consistent with the differential integration hypothesis that the perceptual role of phonation is dependent on F and that phonation cues integrate with F differently depending on F height.