Stress correlates in Montreal French

We have impressionistically determined the meaningful stress categories for Spontaneous Montreal French. These categories are distinguished by variations of F₀, amplitude, and syllable duration. Sentential stress is realized phonetically as reduced fundamental and amplitude, but increased duration of the final syllable. In contrast, comma stress is realized as raised amplitude and either (a) raised F₀ with no durational increment (“emphatic stress”), or (b) a fall—rise contour with some durational increment (“list intonation”). In all cases we find [similarly to Klatt, J. Phonet. 3, 159 (1975); Kloker, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 57, S33 (A) (1975)], the word preceding the stressed word is lengthened. We analyzed the interaction of stress with syntax and with variable phonological realization of certain segments. Whereas the durational and pitch correlates of stress appear fairly constant across all eight of our speakers analyzed in depth to date, the influence of stress on consonant cluster retension and on rate and trajectory of diphthongization of monophthongs is determined by social factors. [Research funded by Killam Grant: Conseil des Arts.]