The tone patterns of numeral-plus-classifier phrases in Yongning Na: a synchronic description and analysis

In Yongning Na, there exists a bewildering diversity of tone patterns on numeral-plus-classifier phrases. A systematic investigation brings out no less than nine sets of classifiers on the basis of their tonal behaviour in association with numerals. These phenomena are analyzed here as part of the irregular tonal morphology found in Yongning Na. The present work represents a contribution towards a complete description of the rich tonal morphology of this language