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Define the terms -

In order to appropriately speak about tonal languages, we have to define the terms that we will be using. These can occasionally get confusing.

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Tone -

A tone in language is similar to a pitch in music. The pitch of the word will determine its meaning.

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Pitch -

Pitch, as it relates to linguistics, is the syllable of a word that is accentuated and requires a different tone. Not to be confused with...

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Stress -

Stress is the accentuated portion of a word. It is the syllable of the word that requires emphasis.

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So what is a tonal language? -

A tonal language is one that has tones which affect the meaning of a word. While there are plenty of languages that use tones to convey other information (including English), this does not make them tonal languages.

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How many tones are there? -

It depends on the language. In some languages there are thought to be around eight tones (such as in Hmong or Vietnamese), while in others, like Mandarin Chinese, there are only four.

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How many tonal languages are there? -

It’s hard to say a set number when it comes to tonal languages, as there are just so many. It is estimated that there are over 1.5 billion people who speak a tonal language.

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How did they come about? -

While no one knows 100% how tonal languages came about, some studies have suggested that it may be due to the environment. Humidity gives vocal cords more flexibility, allowing them to more easily move between pitches.

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Things you should know before learning -

Before you say that tonal languages are going to be too hard, here are a few things you should know that may make them easier.

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If you’re tone deaf -

Let’s get this out of the way at the beginning: yes, you can learn a tonal language even if you’re tone deaf. It may not come as easily, but it’s certainly doable.

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There are fewer words -

Tonal languages have fewer words, due to the fact that the same word can have varying meanings depending on the tone. Once you’ve figured out the tones, the vocabulary won’t seem so daunting.

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There is simpler grammar -

In the majority of tonal languages, there aren’t verb conjugations, gender, or tenses, as there are in many other languages (such as romance languages). This makes it easier to construct phrases, no matter if it’s the past, present, or future.

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How to learn a tonal language -

So are you interested in learning a tonal language? Here are the tricks and tips to help you out!

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Get familiar with the phonetics -

Since our ears are not used to tones, we won’t be able to distinguish them. Native speakers, however, hear a big difference.

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Exposure -

Instead of jumping straight to studying, try listening first. Whether it be through movies, radio, or a native speaker (if you’re lucky enough to have one around), listening will help you begin to differentiate the tones.

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Listen to music -

Music can be a particularly good way of hearing the differences in tonal languages, as the pitches are exaggerated while singing, making them more apparent.

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Mimic -

Once you feel like you hear some difference in the tones, begin trying to mimic them. You don’t necessarily need to know what you’re saying, just try to get yourself used to making those sounds.

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Apply the tones to your language -

One trick you can use while mimicking is applying the tones to your own language. It might sound a bit weird, but then you don’t need to try to focus on vocabulary, sentence structure, and tone all at once. You can just focus on one.

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Use your body -

Try associating different movements with different tones. Singers often do this as well. Stand on your tiptoes for a high or rising tone, and you can squat for a low or lowering tone.

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Use visuals - Using visual representations of tones combined with the word can give you one more hint to help you remember the appropriate pronunciation.

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Take it one step at a time -

Don’t try to learn all of the tones in a day. If you focus a little on each of them, you’ll likely forget all of them. Instead, try to master one tone (or at least feel good about it) before moving on to the next one.

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Learn the alphabet -

In addition to tones, there are also likely new sounds in these languages! Learn the alphabet and the sounds included in the language so you can pronounce the words properly while trying to ascertain the appropriate tone. The one exception to this rule is Chinese.

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Review -

Learning a language means learning numerous different aspects before even thinking about talking. Remember to review everything from sounds to tones in order to remember them better every day.

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Immersion -

The best way to learn any language, immersion gives us the opportunity to both listen and speak. However, not everyone has the ability to move to a new country. Instead, try to immerse yourself in the ways you can, going to places where these speakers may gather. This might mean specific parts of town, cultural events, or even restaurants!

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Ask for help -

If you can’t fully immerse yourself in the language, make sure you’re getting help from a native speaker. This person could be a teacher, but they could also be a friend or partner that is invested in your learning. Just make sure that they’ll actually correct you!

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Record yourself -

If you don’t have any native speaker nearby, record yourself and send it to one. There are sites online where you can get paired up with a native. Just send your recordings their way so they can help you out.

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Take your feelings out of it -

Feelings often affect our tone when we speak, specifically if our native language is not tonal. Try to say sentences “neutrally,” otherwise you may end up putting a tone into the wrong place by accident.

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Practice frequently -

Practice can’t be overlooked. Make sure you’re not only listening and studying frequently, but that you’re also practicing speaking frequently. It’s a common mistake made by beginners to only listen and never contribute.

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Don’t be afraid to make mistakes -

One of the most important aspects of language learning is that you can’t be afraid to say the wrong thing. It’s going to happen. You have to be willing to make mistakes to get better.

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Patience -

Patience really is a virtue. Fluency only comes with practice and a whole lot of time. You have to be patient with yourself. You’ll get the hang of it!

See also: Endangered languages that could be lost forever

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