Alignment of the “early” HL sequence in Maltese falling tune wh­-questions

Abstract

This study investigates two factors related to the falling tune found in wh-questions in Maltese. It examines the alignment, of the H(igh) and L(ow) tone targets found in the early part of this tune in an attempt at providing a more definitive phonological analysis of the tune. Carefully controlled laboratory speech is used in an attempt at quantifying the alignment details. The study also addresses the issue of the accentability or otherwise of wh- or Q(uestion)words in Maltese. Evidence is provided for alignment of the H tone target on or around the beginning of the Qword rather than at the accented syllable for Qwords having a stressed syllable removed by at least one syllable from the left edge of the phrase. Results are as yet unclear for monosyllabic or initially-stressed Qwords, different strategies for dealing with tonal crowding possibly being at work. The analysis suggests that the Qword in Maltese does in fact receive an accent.