What are the different types of tone languages?

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What are the different types of tone languages?

The different types of tone languages are:

1. Register tone languages: In these languages, tones are associated with different pitch levels or registers. The pitch level at which a tone is produced can change the meaning of a word.

2. Contour tone languages: These languages have tones that are characterized by pitch movements or contours. The contour of a tone can be rising, falling, or a combination of both, and it affects the meaning of a word.

3. Level tone languages: In these languages, tones are produced at a relatively steady pitch level without significant pitch movements. The pitch level alone distinguishes the meaning of different words.

4. Pitch-accent languages: These languages have specific syllables or words that are accented with a higher pitch than the surrounding syllables. The pitch accent can change the meaning or grammatical function of a word.

5. Tone terraced languages: These languages have a limited number of pitch levels, and the tones are produced at specific pitch heights. The pitch height determines the meaning of a word, and there are no pitch movements or contours.

It is important to note that some languages may exhibit characteristics of multiple types of tone languages.