Phonology & Orthography
1 min read · 68 words
Syllable Structure: Strict (C)V(N) template. An optional consonant onset, a mandatory vowel nucleus, and an optional nasal/consonant coda.
Phonotactics & Constraints: The Obligatory Contour Principle (OCP) is strictly enforced and resolved via glottal epenthesis to prevent clashing identical features.
Tone Rules: Tones are not lexical (they do not change word definitions). Tone is restricted strictly to pragmatic emphasis or contrastive focus (e.g., standard ti vs. emphasized/fronted tí).