The expanding influence of Thai and its effects on cue redistribution in Kuy

Abstract

Abstract The effect of ability in a tonal language on shifting cue weights in a non-tonal language is explored through a production and perception experiment carried out with speakers of Kuy (Katuic, Austroasiatic) in Ban Khi Nak, Sisaket Province, in Northeast Thailand. Specifically, the realization of a modal-breathy voice quality contrast is analyzed through observing the effects of language ability and usage-related sociolinguistic factors. The results show increased usage of F0 and CPP cues in production and of F0 cues in perception of the voice quality contrast with greater ability and usage of a tonal language. Tonal language ability and usage also affects other acoustic correlates of voice quality, but does not uniformly weaken them. Degree of integration into Thai society shows mixed effects, only somewhat correlating with decay of voice quality cues. The results have bearing on the role of larger national and regional languages in restructuring of phonological contrasts and in phonological attrition, and provide insight into the relationship between multilingualism and sound change.