Re: Pronunciation of /s/ (URGENT!!!)

Jason   Tue Oct 10, 2006 4:06 am GMT
If we record the pronunication of /s/, we will can that the pitch (frequency) doesn't actually fluctuates in cycles against the time.

What is it that case?

My 2nd question is that both boys and girls have different pitches, why can we distinguish different Chinese characters said by them, which are supposed to be associated with different tones (or pitch?)
-Q-   Tue Oct 10, 2006 4:18 am GMT
>> My 2nd question is that both boys and girls have different pitches, why can we distinguish different Chinese characters said by them, which are supposed to be associated with different tones (or pitch?) <<

It's all relative: it has nothing to do with the actual pitch itself: most people don't have perfect pitch anyway so they wouldn't be able to tell. Either the voice starts lower and then gets higher, or it starts higher and gets lower, etc.
Jason   Tue Oct 10, 2006 4:40 am GMT
typos for Q. 1. Modified:

If we record the pronunication of /s/, we will probably realise that the pitch (frequency) doesn't actually fluctuate in cycles against the time.

Why is it that case?
Guest   Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:17 am GMT
>>If we record the pronunication of /s/, we will probably realise that the pitch (frequency) doesn't actually fluctuate in cycles against the time.

Why is it that case?<<

It's like blowing air out of your mouth. Make a larger opening and the pitch will lower.