high (adj.)

One of the features of sound set up by Chomsky and Halle in their DISTINCTIVE FEATURE theory of PHONOLOGY, to handle variations in PLACE OF ARTICULATION (CAVITY features). High sounds are a type of TONGUE-BODY feature, and defined ARTICULATORILY as those produced by raising the TONGUE above the level it holds in neutral position; CLOSE VOWELS and PALATAL/VELAR CONSONANTS are [+high]. Its opposite is non-high [−high] or LOW, referring to sounds produced without any such raising, as in OPEN vowels and FRONT consonants.

A term which describes the more formal variety in DIGLOSSIA; opposed to ‘low’.