Correlations Between the Three Level Tones

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between individual level tones and vowel duration in Standard Thai. Gandour (1977:60) states that the pitch value of the three relatively level tones in Thai is negatively correlated with vowel duration, but Roberson (1982: 136) refutes this hypothesis. The result of this study agrees with Roberson, i.e., there is no correlation of the three level tones or vocalic nuclei and corresponding vowel duration values in Standard Thai.