Sedang language

Sedang is an Austro-Asiatic language spoken in eastern Laos and Kon Tum Province in south central Vietnam. The Sedang language is the most populous of the North Bahnaric language group, which are known for their range of vowel phonations.

Phonology

Consonants

Vowels

Sedang itself has 24 pure vowels: 7 vowel qualities, all of which may be plain (ex. [a]), nasalized ([ã]), and creaky ([a̰]), and three of which -- /i a o/ -- may be both nasal and creaky ([ã̰]). While it does not have the length distinctions of other North Bahnaric languages, it does have more diphthongs, for somewhere between 33 and 55 vowel sounds altogether. Because of this Sedang is sometimes claimed to have the largest vowel inventory in the world. However, other Bahnaric languages have larger numbers of vowel qualities (Bahnar, for example, has 9) in addition to phonemic vowel length, so the record holder depends closely on how the languages are described and distinct vowels are defined.

References

Further Reading

• Smith, Kenneth D. 1967. "Sedang dialects." Bulletin de la Société des Etudes Indochinoises 42: 195-255.
• Smith, Kenneth D. 1968. "Laryngealization and de-laryngealization in Sedang phonemics." Linguistics 38: 52-69.
• Smith, Kenneth D. 1969. Sedang ethnodialects. Anthropological Linguistics 11(5): 143-47.
• Smith, Kenneth D. 1973. More on Sedang ethnodialects. Mon–Khmer Studies 4: 43-51.

External links

• Paul Sidwell's Mon–Khmer language information at the Australian National University.
• Sound sample showing the distinction between clear and creaky vowels, from the link above.
• Smith's dissertation

Languages of Laos Official language Lao Indigenous languages Austroasiatic Bahnaric Alak Duan Halang Jeh Jru' Juk Laven Lavi Nyaheun Oi Sapuan Sedang Su' Katuic Bru Brao Cheng Katu Kuy Ta’Oi Khmuic Khmu Mlabri Phong Palaungic Bit Kiorr Lamet Vietic Arem Chut Cuoi Maleng Nguồn Thavung Vietnamese Hmong-Mien Hmong Iu Mien Sino-Tibetan Akeu Akha Bantang Cantan Cauho Cosao Hani Phunoi Piyo Sinsali Tai-Kadai Khün Northern Thai Phuan Saek Tai Dam Tai Lü Yoy Sign languages Laotian sign languages

Languages of Vietnam Official language Vietnamese Indigenous languages Austroasiatic Bahnaric Chrau Cua Duan Hrê Jeh Katua Kayong Koho Monom Rengao Sedang Stieng Takua Tariang Todrah Katuic Bru Katu Ta’Oi Vietic Arem Chut Cuoi Maleng Muong Nguồn Other Khmer Mang Quang Lam Austronesian Cham Chru Halang Jarai Rade Roglai Hmong-Mien Hmong Iu Mien Mo Piu Ná-Meo Sino-Tibetan Akha Hani Laghuu Mantsi Tai-Kadai Caolan En Gelao Lachi Laha Nung Qabiao Sapa Tai Daeng Tai Dam Tai Dón Tai Hang Tong Tai Lü Tày Tày Tac Ts'ün-Lao Sign languages Vietnamese sign languages