Phonological Tone

The tone is a fundamental construct in human languages, difficult to comprehend. This volume explores tone from its physical properties to its manifestation in phonology, covering a wide range of languages and providing a comprehensive study for both novice and expert. It uncovers the underlying laws and principles that inform today's understanding of tone and its relation to other areas of humanity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Tone, a fundamental aspect of human languages, encompasses a wide range of physiological and acoustical factors, as well as its patterning across different human languages. Despite its complexity, tone remains one of the most challenging aspects of language to comprehend. This comprehensive volume delves into the concept of tone, exploring its physical properties, articulation, and acoustics, and its manifestation in phonology. Drawing from a diverse array of languages worldwide, the book aims to provide a comprehensive study that is accessible to novice readers while also offering valuable insights for experts in the field.

The book is organized into chapters that progressively delve into various aspects of tone. Each chapter covers a specific aspect of tone in greater detail, gradually increasing its complexity. The chapters are woven together to provide complementary and competing accounts of tone's phonological intricacies, thus contributing to a more synthesized understanding of the subject.

Throughout the book, one discovers the underlying laws and principles that shape our current understanding of tone. This knowledge enables us to explore the relationship between tone and other significant domains of human endeavor, such as literature, history, music, and cognition. By examining the interplay between tone and these diverse fields, the book offers a deeper appreciation of the multifaceted nature of language and its profound impact on human culture and experience.

In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the concept of tone, encompassing its physical properties, articulation, acoustics, and phonology. By drawing from a wide range of languages and perspectives, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of tone's complexities, enabling readers to gain a deeper appreciation of this fundamental aspect of human languages.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 138 x 218 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107565302