The aim of this paper is to propose a comprehensive theory of neutral tone in Chinese, possibly for the first time. The theory rests on two pillars. First pillar: neutral tone is interpreted as a manifestation of enclitic behavior. Enclitic behavior is all about (word) stress and the absence thereof. Chinese has tone. But does it or does it not also have stress? There is no agreement on the matter. The theory proposed here transcends this yes-or-no question—renders it moot—by proposing, in its second pillar, that tone implies stress. The presence of stress-through-tone makes it possible to bridge the gap from neutral tone, which is all about tone, to enclitic behavior, which is all about stress. So, in sum, the theory’s two pillars are therefore: 1) stress-through-tone; 2) stress-through-tone as a bridge to enclitic behavior. The development of the theory consists of six steps (§§3 - 8). Additional observations follow the six steps (§§9 - 15). In addition, practical guidance and exercises for teaching neutral tone in the classroom and other settings are provided (§16). The conclusion (§17) sums up what is unique and unprecedented in the approach proposed in the present paper. The paper’s argument is presented from first principles, with no prior knowledge being assumed, so as to be accessible to a wider audience. Enclitics are studied in the West. Chinese tone is in the East. The present article establishes a bridge between the two.
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