Monovalent Feature

Definition

A monovalent feature is one which does not have the ability to be either [+] or [-]. For example, place features are monovalent, as it is assumed that articulation is happening in one area and therefor does not need a [+] or [-] distinction. It would not be necessary to write [+bilabial] for example, and instead [bilabial] would suffice.

A list of monovalent features includes:

• [labial]
• [coronal]
• [dorsal]
• [laryngeal]
• [pharyngeal]