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Document Details :

Title: Stem Tone Dynamics of Dibole, a Bantu C Language
Author(s): LEITCH, Myles
Journal: Africana Linguistica
Volume: 20    Date: 2014   
Pages: 207-224
DOI: 10.2143/AL.20.0.3062069

Abstract :
This paper provides an overview of stem tone processes in Dibole, a Bantu C language spoken in the north of Congo Brazzaville. Two basic patterns emerge from this enquiry: (i) a single tone melody (High or Low) established from the Final Vowel to all available toneless syllables in the verb stem, and (ii) a Low-High tonal melody imposed on the verb stem, but where the High tone deletes when it is VP-final (metatony). Under relativization, these superficial melodic characterizations tease apart, showing that TMA forms with similar melodies can be dramatically distinct in terms of morphosyntax.

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