| Summary: | This paper applies an autosegmental analysis to tone in four Tibetan languages: Lhasa Tibetan (LS). Gar Tibetan (GR). Gerze Tibetan (GZ), and Zedang Tibetan (ZDI.1 2 I will discuss the representations of underlying tones on monosyllables, and the derivation of tonal patterns in multisyllabic expressions. Our discussion is intended to make three points. First. autosegmental phonology can be successfully applied to Tibetan tone. Second, an autosegmental analysis is superior to a non-autosegmental approach. Third. an autosegmental analysis brings out important similarities between Tibetan tone and tone in other parts of the world. such as Africa and east China, while the traditional approach misses these similarities. In addition, we will discuss what Tibetan tone tells us about the generality of the Association Conventions, rules that govern the linking between tones and segments.
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