ISCA Archive issp 2024
ISCA Archive issp 2024

C-G vs. C-V Timing Differences in Hong Kong Cantonese

Po-Rong Chen, Feng-fan Hsieh, Yueh-chin Chang

This study explores the articulatory underpinnings of the alleged contrast between labialized velar stops /kwai/ and onglides /kui/ in Hong Kong Cantonese, as represented in the Jyutping transliteration system. We analyzed the coordination patterns of onsets and vocoids in these syllable types as well as in canonical CV syllables. Our findings indicate that the onsets and vocoids in labialized velar stops, onglides, and CV syllables are timed synchronously, showing no variation in stiffness. These results challenge the assumed distinctions between labialized velar stops and onglides, confirming the presence of CV synchrony in Hong Kong Cantonese.