声调类型学大要——对调型的研究

An Outline of Tonal Typology:A Study of Tonal Types

本文提出一个声调类型学的框架。声调类型学的基础是一个大数量的声学材料库和一个音节-声调-发声态的理论,研究的是"调型"(tonotype)。首先按照域度、长度、高度、拱度四个参数来建立一个普适调型库;然后把各地声调进行归类,比较,以得出"有你我式"(universal)共性。这样的类型学研究可以为共时理论音系学和演化音法学提供坚实的经验基础,甚至能直接导出演化途径。

This paper proposes a general framework for tone typology, which is built on a large body of acoustic data and a syllable-tone-phonation theory. A general tonotype inventory is proposed according to four dimensions： register, length, height, and contour. Tonal systems from various languages/dialects can be compared and classified within this inventory. This kind of typological study can provide synchronic and evolutionary phonology with solid empirical foundation.