0. Usila Chinantecl phonology features a number of analytical problems which invite alternative phonemicizations. Velar stops with simultaneous bilabial closure, vowelless words with syllabic m, complex syllable nuclei with varied patterning of syllabic and non-syllabic components-all these features give a certain inevitable hocus-pocus aspect to whatever analysis is eventually adopted. Finally, Usila Chinantec demonstrates five phonemic tone registers occurring in almost all possible combinations in bisyllabic words. These phenomena are discussed below along with a general summary of the phonological structure of Usila Chinantec syllables. A syllable consists of a peak preceded by an optional onset. Certain pre-vocalic and post-vocalic elements along with nasalization are described as optional features of the