Tone languages

Tone languages use variations in pitch, or tone, to distinguish word meanings that otherwise sound similar. In these languages, differences in intonation—such as rising, falling, or level tones—are critical for understanding, much like changing a single letter in English can alter a word’s meaning. For example, in Mandarin Chinese, the syllable “ma” can mean “mother,” “hemp,” “horse,” or “scold,” depending on its tone. Tone is an integral part of pronunciation and grammar, and mastering it is essential for accurate communication in these languages.