What is punjabi tones?

Punjabi is a tonal language that uses pitch to distinguish between different meanings of words. There are three main tones in Punjabi: low, high, and level.

  1. Low tone: This is the lowest and most relaxed tone. It is used at the end of declarative sentences and when the speaker is expressing a strong emotion.

  2. High tone: This is the highest and most intense tone. It is used for emphasis, to express excitement or surprise, and in questions that do not require a yes or no answer.

  3. Level tone: This is a flat, neutral tone that does not rise or fall. It is used in questions that require a yes or no answer, and in statements that have no particular emphasis or emotion attached to them.

In Punjabi, tone can also change the meaning of a word. For example, the Punjabi word "Sãp" can mean both "snake" (with a low tone) and "dream" (with a high tone), depending on the tone used. It is important for learners of Punjabi to pay attention to tone in order to correctly understand and express themselves in the language.