backnessfront
Backnessfront is a term used in phonology to describe a proposed single dimension encoding both the backness and frontness of vowel articulation. In this framework, vowels are placed along one axis from back to front, with central vowels occupying the middle. Proponents argue that a fused feature could simplify the representation of vowel systems and improve cross-linguistic comparability in typological surveys and theoretical models of vowel harmony or coarticulation.
Operationally, backnessfront can be treated as either a single scalar feature or as a two-part scheme in
Critics note that backness and frontness reflect distinct articulatory and perceptual properties, interacting with lip rounding,
See also: backness, frontness, vowel harmony, feature geometry, phonological features.