Difference between revisions of "Tone"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Wohlgemuth (talk | contribs) m |
(Edited the format) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | ==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). | 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' | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
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]]. | ||
| − | + | == Links == | |
| − | + | *[http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Tone&lemmacode=174 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics] | |
| − | [http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Tone&lemmacode=174 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics] | ||
{{dc}} | {{dc}} | ||
Revision as of 18:48, 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.
Links
| STUB |
| CAT | This article needs proper categorization. You can help Glottopedia by categorizing it Please do not remove this block until the problem is fixed. |
| FORMAT |
