A tonal language is a type of language where 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 the Mandarin Chinese language, the syllable "ma" can mean "mother," "hemp," "horse," or "scold," depending on the tone used. Tonal languages are common in various parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa. They require speakers to pay close attention to pitch variations, making them distinct from non-tonal languages like English, where tone primarily conveys emotion rather than meaning.