noun
tone language; tonal language
A language where pitch patterns on syllables distinguish word meanings. Often contrasted with 声調言語, though usage overlaps.
See also: 声調言語
中国語は代表的な音調言語の一つです。
Chinese is one of the representative tone languages.
音調言語では、同じ音節でも声の高さによって意味が変わります。
In tone languages, even the same syllable can change meaning depending on pitch.
Often used interchangeably with 音調言語, but 声調言語 may emphasize the phonological aspect of tones, while 音調言語 is a broader term.
Compound of 音調 (tone, pitch) and 言語 (language). A modern linguistic term.