Downstep and recursive phonological phrases in Bàsàá (Bantu A43)

This paper identifies contexts in which a downstep is realized between consecu-
tive H tones in absence of an intervening L tone in Bàsàá (Bantu A43, Cameroon).
Based on evidence from simple sentences, we propose that this type of downstep
is indicative of recursive prosodic phrasing. In particular, we propose that a down-
step occurs between the phonological phrases that are immediately dominated by
a maximal phonological phrase (φmax).