Difference between revisions of "Tone"

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==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 ===
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== Example ==
 
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In [[Margi]] we find the following lexical items:
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]].
  
=== Links ===
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== Links ==
 
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*[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


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