Empirical Predictions of Different Approaches

This chapter lays out empirical predictions of the most phonetically-informed approach to contour tone distribution—the direct approach—and compares them with predictions of the other approaches. I start by defining a C _Contour scale, which indicates a syllable’s contour-bearing ability, and a Tonal Complexity scale, which indicates a the phonetic ‘complexity’ of a contour tone. I then identify the phonological factors that may influence the C _Contour value of a syllable. Predictions regarding contour tone distribution of the different approaches are made against the backdrop of these two phonetic scales.