Reconsideration of the tonal typology of Japonic languages (2021.04–2024.03)

About the Project

Project term: April, 2021–March, 2024

This research project will discuss various tonal systems and phenomena observed among Japonic languages by incorporating knowledge of cross-linguistic studies on tonal languages into existing research on the accents of Japonic languages. Specifically, this research project seeks to (1) reinterpret traditional descriptions by considering the word-prosodic systems of Japonic languages as restricted tone systems; (2) redefine terms and concepts unique to the theory of Japanese accentology in the context of general linguistics; and build a typology which enables researchers to understand the diversity of tonal systems among Japonic languages.

Hayato AOI, Project Coordinator (Research Associate, ILCAA)

For details, please see here