Subtonal features in a three-tone language: Evidence from Laal

In this paper, I provide arguments in favor of subtonal features, with data from Laal, an endangered, three-tone isolate language southern Chad. show that a system using the two features [upper] and [raised] (Yip 1980, Pulleyblank 1986) offers straightforward account properties Mid tone are otherwise impossible to for three tonal primitives H, M, L. Laal provides evidence parallels between segmental behavior which justify featural analysis tone. particular, displays assimilation process involving natural classes works just like vowel harmony, could be described as form harmony. This goes against frequently put forward (e.g. Hyman 2010, Patin et al. 2010). Additionally, case shows specification M three-height systems is not necessarily ambiguous, making potentially well-suited all shapes.