| Abstract: | Downstep in pitch contour of Chinese Putonghua is examined using subtly de-signed sentences by controlling tone combinations. The results show both automatic and non-automatic downstep phenomena exist in Chinese. In non-automatic downstep, low tones com-press downwards the pitch range of the following syllables, and the main influence of downstep is on topline. Low tone not only lower the topline behind it, but also raise the high tones before it, the effects are compatible with each other. In automatic downstep, the topline of pitch contour in intonational phrase is presented as a linear downtrend, but it differs among speakers due to the effect of personal stress practice. In comparison with downstep phenomenon in other tone or non-tone languages, the downstep ratio in Chinese is not constant, and the domain of downstep is not limited within the adjacent tones. |
