tone language

American  

noun

1. a language, as Swedish, Chinese, Yoruba, or Serbo-Croatian, in which words that are otherwise phonologically identical are distinguished by having different pitches or pitch contour.

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tone language British  

noun

1. a language, such as Chinese or certain African languages, in which differences in tone may make differences in meaning

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Etymology

Origin of tone language

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Consider your audience when choosing your tone, language, and approach to a topic.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

The magnetic value of adjustment expresses the force and completeness with which the individual can identify himself with another person, suggesting oneness through attitude, gesture, act, eye, tone, language, and telepathic sympathy.

From Mastery of Self for Wealth Power Success by Haddock, Frank C. (Frank Channing)

At this stage, however, or even before it, I think very probably vowel sounds must have been employed in tone language, if not also a few consonants.

From The Brain and the Voice in Speech and Song by Mott, F. W. (Frederick Walker)

I have no knowledge of their tone, language, or purport.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 7, part 1: Ulysses S. Grant by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)