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Glite Dictionary
register language

register language

9.9
A tone language that uses high or low voice pitch to show different word meanings
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛdʒɪstər ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lengua tonal
  • Unlike contour tone languages, a register language uses level pitches to mark differences in meaning.

Examples

  • A register language distinguishes words by the relative height of the voice rather than by pitch movement.

  • A register language uses different voice qualities to distinguish between meanings of words.

  • Many Southeast Asian languages are considered examples of register languages.

  • A register language can convey different meanings.

  • Chinese is an example of a register language.

  • In a register language, the meaning of a word changes based on the pitch level used when speaking.

  • Thai is known as a register language because it differentiates meanings through levels of vocal pitch.

Synonyms

tone language
vsregister language
  • Specialized
8.1

A language where changes in voice pitch make words mean different things

uses pitch registers or voice quality rather than pitch contours
tonal language
vsregister language
  • Specialized
8.1

A language where the pitch of a word changes its meaning

uses pitch registers or voice quality rather than pitch contours

Surface Forms

register language singular
register languages plural

Morphology

register + language

This compound is transparently built from 'register' (a distinct pitch range or timbre) + 'language' and directly denotes a language characterized by those registers; the overall meaning is a predictable compositional combination rather than an idiom. Although the concept is technical, a B1 learner who knows the provided senses of the constituents can infer that a 'register language' is a language that uses distinct pitch registers to signal meaning.

Etymology

Register language comes from the idea of different registers or voice 'levels', like singing low or high instead of sliding the voice up and down. That's why a register language uses steady voice 'levels' or changes in voice quality to change the 'meaning' of words.