Maximum Rate and Minimal Duration of Repeated Syllables

Among the interesting questions related to tongue-twisters is the question how fast syllables of different types can be repeated. A simple pilot experiment with strings of open syllables such as [tatata...], [stastasta...], [strastrastra ...] was carried out. Differences in the results are interpreted as being due to individual differences in motor skills and to differences in the phonetic material of the syllables. Two simple mathematical models are derived to predict the data. The last model predicts repetition rate from assumed inherent durational values of the consonants involved. A correction factor (K) is established to compensate for the difference between observed and predicted values. This factor seems to depend on difficulties in co-ordinating articulatory movements. Finally, some hypotheses and speculations concerning the connection between the results and the phonological structure of languages are advanced.