From: Patrick Ryan
Message: 40822
Date: 2005-09-28
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob" <magwich78@...>
To: <cybalist@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 11:12 AM
Subject: [tied] Re: ka and k^a
> --- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Patrick Ryan" <proto-language@...>
> wrote:
>
> > > Well, I understand what you're saying. Can you point to any
> > > studies which show conclusively that "there is no vowel system
> > > that lacks height"?
> > >
> > > - Rob
> >
> > ***
> > Patrick:
> >
> > The simplest vowel system known, Abkhaz, has a central vowel in two
> > heights: open and close.
> >
> > ***
>
> In that case, it seems best to make the deduction that, based on what
> we know (the simplest vowel inventory distinguishing height but not
> frontness/backness), height is a more fundamental distinction.
>
> - Rob
***
Patrick:
Since Abkhaz is the _only_ language in the world to have such a vowel
system, it is completely unwarranted to draw such a conclusion fro it.
The great majority of languages have a front-central-back contrast at
whatever heights for each member.
***