The features of the larynx: N-ary or binary?

Area of Science:

• Phonology
• Linguistics
• Southeast Asian Languages

Background:

• Generative phonology traditionally restricts features to binary values.
• Explaining tonal variations in Tai languages requires a more nuanced feature system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and justify the use of a multivalued scalar feature, "glottal width," for phonological representation.
• To account for diachronic tone splits in Tai languages based on syllable-initial consonant phonation.

Main Methods:

• Positing a multivalued scalar feature "glottal width" on the classificatory level.
• Analyzing diachronic tone splits in Tai languages and dialects.
• Testing alternative laryngeal feature sets against the proposed model.

Main Results:

• The multivalued feature "glottal width" successfully explains observed tone splits.
• The proposed feature encompasses a continuum from open glottis to glottal stop.
• Alternative binary laryngeal features were found inadequate.

Conclusions:

• A multivalued scalar feature "glottal width" is necessary for generative phonology.
• This feature provides a robust explanation for Tai language tone evolution.
• A binary feature "vibrating" is also proposed within this framework.