Explanation
All languages use pitch, but not all make it part of word identity. In tone languages the same segmental sequence can form a different word with another pitch pattern.
Example
Yoruba distinguishes /bí/ ‘give birth’, /bī/ ‘ask’ and /bì/ ‘vomit’ through high, mid and low tone. Thai can assign five meanings to /kʰaa/ with five tones.
Counterexample
Rising pitch in an English yes-no question belongs to intonation and does not automatically create another lexeme.
Distinction
same segments, different tone
Effect on thought and perception
Turns melody into lexical structure: listening must categorise pitch and segmental sequence together.
Resonance
Sound and meaning become coupled at a finer perceptual threshold.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Lexical tone“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-144-006. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-144-006The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.