Abstract
The paper presents the results of research phonetic features of speech of members of the Czech minority in Croatia. Based on the analysis of audio recordings is examined quantity of Czech vowels in open syllables in a word, more specifically, how Czech minority members in Croatia perceive the length of Czech vowels in speech production and perception.
Recordings obtained in families of students at Czech elementary schools around Daruvar were analyzed by listening, by measuring in Praat and phonetic tests that were subsequently presented to the listening and evaluation of students of Czech Komensky Elementary School in Daruvar. The research results revealed several trends in speech production of Czech minority members, especially the lack of compliance with the quantity of vowels in speech production (extension of short vowels and shortening of long vowels).
Examining the perception of contrasts quantity of vowels in speech perception showed several trends: a) the greatest regularity ratio of the actual length of vocals and its perception as long showed up at the couple and vocals a-á, followed by a pair of vocal o-ó (especially in the word tonu/tónu); b) the biggest fluctuation ratio of the actual length of vocals and its perception as long showed up at the couple vocals i-í (especially in the word Michala/míchala) and a pair of u-ú (especially in the word muže/může); This work is the first attempt to determine the status of phonetic features of speech of members of the Czech minority in Croatia in the last few decades and the first ever measurement of Czech phonetic measurement of minority. Suggests the pathways by which it is possible to go further in the investigation.