Mpi
(from SoWL)

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Mpi is a Sino-Tibetan language that is interesting for combining a six-way tone contrast with a two-way voice-quality contrast.

In the voice-quality dimension normal (modal) phonation contrasts with a phonation type that Ladefoged refers to as "tense", meaning a moderate form of creaky voice (the term laryngealized has also been used). Essling (1996) has suggested that pharyngealized may be a better term, i.e. it could involve aryepiglottic constriction, probably combined with a raised larynx position (see JIPA, 26(2): 65-68)

Related demos:

  • More tone languages
  • Further voice-quality contrasts
  • !χóõ (language with multiple contrasting voice qualities)

    The sonogram display includes both wide- and narrow-band sonograms to help highlight both the tonal and voice-quality differences. Note, for example, the tendency for stronger harmonic energy at higher frequencies in the tense voice condition.
    (Note that the wide- and narrow-band displays have different frequency axes.)

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