Assertion: high tone | /r/CapableOf | drop like step
Facets:
value: in a stairway
type: LOCATION
value: incrementally
type: MANNER
value: in terraced rice fields
type: LOCATION
Source sentences:
text: In many register-tone languages, low tones may cause a downstep in following high or mid tones; the effect is such that even while the low tones remain at the lower end of the speaker's vocal range (which is itself descending due to downdrift), the high tones drop incrementally like steps in a stairway or terraced rice fields, until finally the tones merge and the system has to be reset.