Tonal languages

Tonal languages use pitch, or tone, to distinguish meaning between words that may otherwise sound similar. In these languages, the way a word is spoken—its pitch pattern or rise and fall—can directly impact its meaning. For example, in Mandarin Chinese, the syllable “ma” can mean “mother,” “hemp,” “horse,” or “scold,” depending on its tone. Tonal distinctions are integral to the language's grammar and vocabulary, requiring speakers to produce and interpret tones accurately for clear communication. This differs from non-tonal languages, where pitch primarily conveys emotion or emphasis rather than lexical meaning.