The Emergence of Discrete Perceptual-Motor Units in a Production Model That Assumes Holistic Phonological Representations.

ABSTRACT: Intelligible speakers achieve specific vocal tract constrictions in rapid sequence. These constrictions are associated in theory with speech motor goals. Adult-focused models of speech production assume that discrete phonological representations, sequenced into word-length plans for output, define these goals. This assumption introduces a serial order problem for speech. It is also at odds with children's speech. In particular, child phonology and timing control suggest holistic speech plans, and so the hypothesis of whole word production. This hypothesis solves the serial order problem by avoiding it. When the same solution is applied to adult speech the problem becomes how to explain the development of highly intelligible speech. This is the problem addressed here. A modeling approach is

SUBMITTER: Davis M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6759877 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature