Gelao Language - Phonology

Phonology

Gelao has many uvular and prenasalized consonants. Many varieties also preserve consonant clusters that have been lost in most other related languages. These consonant clusters, such as pl, bl, phl, ml, mpl, vl, and kl, correspond regularly with consonants in Lachi, Mulao, Qabiao (Pubiao), Buyang, and various Kam–Tai languages. Gelao also shares many phonological features with Bouyei and other neighboring non-Kra languages.

Many Gelao varieties have a total of 6 tones, including 2 level (33 and 55), 2 rising (13 and 35), and 2 falling tones (31 and 53).

Sound correspondences between the Liuzhi (六枝) and Zhenfeng (贞丰) varieties include:

• pl : pj
• plh : p
• ml : m
• mp : m
• ntɕ : ɲ/nʲ
• ŋk : ŋ/k