Noun
An upward shift of tone between the syllables or words of a tonal language.
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
Such an upstep appears in only a few constructions, and it is conceivable on the basis of the limited evidence cited that it should be attributed to an intonational pattern having a status different from that of downstep, which occurs more commonly in the language. […] After an upstep, following highs continue on the same level until a low or downstep; the upstep simply shifts the entire sequence of terraces back up one level.
Verb
To apply an upward shift of tone between the syllables or words of a tonal language.
- Related words
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
Thomas (1974:25) considers, but rejects, an analysis very similar to the present proposal […] on the grounds that an analysis that simply upsteps a high-toned TBU before a low tone (one component) is simpler than one that requires the three components just stated.