flute, tɔt

Flute system used by the Khmu people of Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and China, mentioned in Proschan (1994). The instrument itself (tɔt in Khmu) is a two-holed transverse flute. The system is likely not abridging: “As far as I have been able to determine, she does not enunciate words with the tɔt, but each song has a clear meaning” (52). It is used by young women to respond to suitors playing the hrooŋ (Khmu jaw harp) during courtship dialogues.

Proschan, F. (1994). Khmu play languages. Mon-Khmer Studies, 23, 43–65.