Conditions for tonogenesis and tone split in Tibetan dialects

Abstract

This paper discusses the nature, functional typology, origin, and diversification of tone in modern Tibetan dialects on the basis of tonal data on ten Tibetan varieties recorded by the author. It is contended that tonal Tibetan dialects probably all underwent a stage of 'natural tones' conditioned by associated features of old Tibetan onsets and codas. The distinctive function of such syllable elements was gradually reduced and transphonologized, leading to the genesis of phonemic tone. Tonogenesis in different modern tone systems did not always observe the dictum 'high tone if (the original syllable onset was) voiceless; low tone ft voiced', but traversed varied developmental paths.'