Analysis of Voice Fundamental Frequency Contours of Continuing and Terminating Phrases of Four Swiss German Dialects

In the present study, the F0 contours of continuing and terminating prosodic phrases of 4 Swiss German dialects are analyzed by means of the command-response model. In every model parameter, the two prosodic phrase types show significant differences: continuing prosodic phrases indicate higher phrase command magnitude and shorter durations. Locally, they demonstrate more distinct accent command amplitudes as well as durations. In addition, continuing prosodic phrases have later rises relative to segment onset than terminating prosodic phrases. In the same context, fine phonetic differences between the dialects are highlighted