Tonal Languages

+**Tonal Languages**

+Tonal languages are systems where the [pitch](/wiki/pitch) contour of a syllable directly alters a word's meaning, rather than merely conveying emotion or emphasis. This fundamental aspect of their [linguistics](/wiki/linguistics) means identical sounds can represent distinct concepts based solely on their rise, fall, or level tone. They are a prominent feature of many language families across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

+## See also

+- [Phonetics](/wiki/phonetics)

+- [Prosody](/wiki/prosody)