The focalization domains: an experimental study

Abstract

This paper aims at developing an experimental study about potential restrictions on identifying the length of focused structures in Brazilian Portuguese (BP). Considering Broad Focus and Narrow Focus, we propose a continuum of focalization spans, based on the hierarchical prosodic domains presented in the Prosodic Phonology theory. Specifically, we analyze the intonation domains in BP, the phonological word (ω), and the phonological phrase (φ). After running a multimodal perceptual experiment, statistical results show that narrow elements are best identified than composed ones and that confusions present a systematicity in complex focused structures. As for modality, adding the visual modality does not increase (nor decrease) significantly the already high focus span identification. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis of selected melodic patterns allowed us to develop some relevant remarks about the focalization inscription in the prosodic structure of BP.