Difference between revisions of "Tone"
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− | In many, so-called [[tone | + | ==Definition== |
+ | In many, so-called [[tone language]]s, a difference in [[pitch]] is used to distinguish lexical items. In such languages tone is a [[distinctive feature]]. The most common opposition is that between a high and a low tone. But also three- or four-way tonal distinctions occur in languages. A high tone is usually indicated with an acute (tá) and a low tone with a grave (tà). | ||
− | + | == Example == | |
− | + | In [[Margi]] we find the following lexical items: | |
− | |||
(i) shú 'tail' | (i) shú 'tail' | ||
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Also we may find so-called [[contour tone]]s, i.e. a high and a low tone realized on the same vowel. We distinguish between a rising tone (te) and a falling tone (tà). Contour tones are often analysed as complex tones. See [[tone stability]]. | Also we may find so-called [[contour tone]]s, i.e. a high and a low tone realized on the same vowel. We distinguish between a rising tone (te) and a falling tone (tà). Contour tones are often analysed as complex tones. See [[tone stability]]. | ||
− | == | + | ==See also== |
+ | *[[Tone language]] | ||
− | [http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Tone&lemmacode=174 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics] | + | == Links == |
+ | *[http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Tone&lemmacode=174 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics] | ||
{{dc}} | {{dc}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 18:57, 29 August 2014
Definition
In many, so-called tone languages, a difference in pitch is used to distinguish lexical items. In such languages tone is a distinctive feature. The most common opposition is that between a high and a low tone. But also three- or four-way tonal distinctions occur in languages. A high tone is usually indicated with an acute (tá) and a low tone with a grave (tà).
Example
In Margi we find the following lexical items:
(i) shú 'tail' shù 'to dry up'
Also we may find so-called contour tones, i.e. a high and a low tone realized on the same vowel. We distinguish between a rising tone (te) and a falling tone (tà). Contour tones are often analysed as complex tones. See tone stability.
See also
Links
STUB |
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