Tonal processes in Anaañ

The concept of tone is a common phonological feature among the Lower Cross languages, though its manifestation varies across individual languages. This paper examines the tonal processes in Anaan̄, focusing on how tones interact with vowels across different phonological environments. The primary objectives of the study are to identify the tonal patterns in Anaan̄, investigate the tonal processes involved, and explore the factors that trigger these processes. The study is anchored in the autosegmental framework proposed by Goldsmith (1976), which emerged in response to the limitations of classical generative phonology. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, informal conversations with native speakers of Anaan̄, and relevant secondary sources. Findings reveal that tonal processes are fundamental suprasegmental elements that contribute significantly to meaning in Anaan̄. The study identifies several tonal processes, including tone raising, tone lowering, tone copying, tone polarization, tone displacement, floating tones, downstep, downdrift, tone deletion/delinking, tonal linking/relinking, and tonal upstep.