Table 2 A syllable defined by its contrasting features
From: That “certain cut”: towards a characterology of Mandarin Chinese
Qiān contrasts with: | In respect of: | The contrasting syllable is: | Whereas qian is: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
quān | POSTURE (initial) | quān | w-prosodic [labial] | y-prosodic [palatal] |
xiān | MANNER | xiān | Continuant | Obstruent [affricated] |
jiān | VOICE ONSET | jiān | Early [unaspirated] | Late [aspirated] |
qiāng | POSTURE (final) | qiāng | w-prosodic [backing] | y-prosodic [fronting] |
qiē | RESONANCE | qiē | Oral | Nasal |
qīn | APERTURE | qīn | Half-close | Open |
qián/qiǎn/qiàn | TONE | qián | Rising | (high) level |
qiǎn | Falling-rising | |||
qiàn | Falling | |||