2. Li's Classification of the Tai Languages: A Critique
2. 李方桂先生的台语言分类：评述
Yongxian Luo 罗永现

Abstract 摘要

2. LI’S CLASSIFICATION OF THE TAI LANGUAGES: A CRITIQUE

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Li’s Reconstructions of Proto- Tai
2.1.1 Typological features of the Tai languages
2.1.2 Li’s Proto-Tai Phonemic Inventory
2.1.2.1 Initial Consonants
2.1.2.2 Tones
2.1.2.3 Li’s Subgroup Criteria: Tone Differentiation and Coalescence
2.1.2.4 Vowels
2.1.3 Common Patterns of Sound Correspondences among Tai Dialects
2.1.3.1 Regular Correspondences in Synchronic Perspective
2.1.3.2 Recurrent Patterns of Sound Change

2.2 The Northern Branch
2.2.1 Li’s Northern features
2.2.2 Comments on Li’s Northern Branch features

2.3 The Central Branch
2.3.1 Li’s Account
2.3.2 Comments on the Central Branch
2.3.3 Summary on the Central Branch

2.4 The Southwestern Branch
2.4.1 Philological Evidence
2.4.2 Li’s Account
2.4.3 Additional Features
2.4.4 Comments on Li’s SW Features
2.4.5 Internal Subgrouping in SW
2.4.6 Summary of Southwestern Tai

2.5 Summary of Li’s Classification

2.6 Further Facts and Facets
2.6.1 Li’s Reconstructions Reconsidered: Initial Consonants
2.6.1.1 Dentals/Dental Clusters for Labial Clusters
2.6.1.2 Simple Dental/Liquids for Dental Clusters
2.6.1.3 Labial for Liquid
2.6.1.4 Sibilants for Velars
2.6.1.5 Simple Liquid for Velar Cluster
2.6.1.6 The Need to Reconstruct Sibilant Clusters
2.6.2 Summary of Initial Consonants
2.6.3 Some Reflections on Li’s Proto-Tai Vowels
2.6.3.1 Conditioning Factors for *e-lowering
2.6.3.2 /e/ in Open Syllables—*ε-Raising or *e-Retention?
2.6.3.3 Back Vowels /o/ and /ɔ/
2.6.4 Summary of Vowels

2.7 Summary of Chapter