A tone language is a type of language in which the meaning of a word can change based on the pitch or tone used when pronouncing it. In these languages, different tones can indicate different meanings, even if the pronunciation of the word remains the same. For example, in languages like Mandarin Chinese, the word "ma" can mean "mother," "hemp," "horse," or "scold," depending on the tone used. Tone languages are common in various regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa. They require speakers to be attentive to pitch variations, making them distinct from non-tone languages, where meaning is primarily determined by word order and context. Understanding tones is essential for effective communication in these languages.