Some evidence from Biao Min on the initials of Proto-Mienic (Yao) and Proto-Hmong-Mien (Miao-Yao)

Abstract

1.1 Terminology and reconstruction. The language family under discussion here is Hmong-Mien (H-M), consisting of the two branches Hmongic (Hm) and Mienic (Mn). The family is also known as Miao-Yao, the two branches being Miao and Yao. All initial consonants are assumed to have a three-way manner distinction. For obstruents these are voiceless unaspirate, aspirate, and voiced; the corresponding manners for sonorants are preglottalized, voiceless, and voiced. In addition, obstruents may be [± prenasalized].