Re: Tones to make up for lack of phonemes

On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 6:12 PM, Vincent Pistelli <pva003@...> wrote:
> I want to make a language that has just the bare minimum of phonemes,
> preferably ones that anything with vocal cords can pronounce.  I was
> thinking just bilabial stops with a bunch of tones to make up for major lack
> of phonemes, but that would require a really good ear.
... or being used to it. Mandarin speakers don't think it's particularly hard.

I presume you mean tones on the *vowels*, not the stops?

> Do any of you know any other phonemes that could theoretically be pronounced by anything with a
> mouth, vocal cords, and a capacity speak and understand language?
*Anything* is a strong word. Are you include, e.g. (sentient) dogs and
cats? Or just humans?

If non-humans, then sorry, but this isn't an easily answerable
question; it rather depends on how exactly that mouth works. The
minimum set is probably sound vs no sound... though morse code kinda
sucks as a spoken language. There are programs that can acoustically
model articulatory phonetics in humans at least; dunno if they could
be modified to do so for non-humans.

If humans, I suggest you look into the (very long and occasionally
flamey) discussions on AUXLANG-L about the minimal set of phonemes for
a lowest common denominator international auxiliary language.

Let's just say that it's a touchy subject that ultimately requires
judgement calls.


However, I'm a bit confused by your question.... are you asking for
what NON standard phonemes humans are capable of producing? Do you
include tone in what you're calling 'phoneme'? Please clarify.

- Sai

- Sai

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