Generational differences in sensitivity to phonetic cues: Accentuation patterns of novel words

This study investigates generational differences in sensitivity to phonetic cues affecting accentuation in North Kyungsang (NK) Korean speakers. By examining the accentuation of novel words with various syllable combinations involving aspirated and non-aspirated onsets and short and long vowels, we assess how these cues influence accent patterns. The results reveal that while both older and younger speakers exhibit sensitivity to onset quality, this effect is restricted to the final syllable. Older speakers show a broader range of accent patterns, utilizing phonetic and phonological cues effectively, while younger speakers predominantly favor Penult accent regardless of the cues present. These generational differences underscore a shift in accentuation patterns, with older speakers retaining nuanced use of cues compared to their younger counterparts. The findings contribute to our understanding of how phonetic cues influence accentuation and how these influences evolve over generations.