Contour Language (Noun)
Meaning
A tone language that uses pitch changes.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- Contour language plays a significant role in the expression of Mandarin Chinese, where different pitch tones can change the meaning of words entirely.
- In many African languages classified as contour languages, the pitch changes can completely flip the meaning of a sentence, making pitch intonation crucial for communication.
- Xhosa, a contour language spoken in South Africa, illustrates the importance of pitch levels and contours in conveying different meanings.
- Tone languages that exhibit contour are much more complex than those that do not, requiring speakers to have precise control over their pitch.
- Mandarin is a classic example of a contour language, where the same phonetic sound can have up to four different meanings depending on the pitch contour used to pronounce it.