Tone height binarity and register in intonation: the case from Kayardild (Australian)

Autosegmental–metrical analyses of intonation typically assume a binary opposition between L/H tones, realised as pitch targets within some local pitch range, or register. However, because tone and register can be phonologically independent, a theoretical concern is that an ostensibly threeleveled tone system could be analysed in terms of binary tone plus careful register setting. Plateau contours in Kayardild, based superficially around three tone levels, present a case in point. Arguments are provided that just two phonological tones are involved, plus a form of register control that characterises the entire Kayardild intonational system.