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Nkwen is a tone language, that is, a language in which variations in pitch distinguish different words. Tone marks on words can change their pronunciation and meaning when used in isolation and in sentences. Tone variation also makes differences in tenses. When writing this language the different tone marks should be seriously considered. The following major tone marks are observed in the Nkwen language:
- The Low tone (L) ` also known as the grave.
- The High tone (H) ́ also known as the acute is observed but not marked.
- The Low-High tone ̌ (L H) also known as the rising tone.
- The High-Low tone (H L) ̂ also known as the falling tone.
àbàà – a bag
kàà – old basket
àkù – foot
àtò’ò – raffia palm bush
àshìshì – thread
bàtǝ̀ – wine calabash
ǝ̀làrǝ̀ – a bridge
àtà’à – a snail
nǝ̀kùŋnǝ̀ – swampy area
àbà’à – a door
Words with the High tone (H) that is observed but not marked.
sǝŋǝ – a bird
forǝ – a rat
fɛrǝ – a ring
chichi’i – a tadpole
nǝnaŋǝ – a chameleon
tǝtya – pepper
bǝ̀sǝŋǝ – birds
bǝ̀forǝ – rats
bǝ̀fɛrǝ – rings
bǝ̀chichi’i – tadpoles
bǝ̀nǝnaŋǝ – chameleons
Words with the Low-High tone (LH)
yǐ – come
ghə̌ – go
kǎ – draw
khə̌ – run
shə̌ – stab
nyǐ – defecate
bǔ – return
kǐ – refuse
fǔ – hit
sǔ – wash
zε̌ – peal
fε̌ – to go on a visit
The words above are mostly commands. The two lettered commands can also be rightly written with the vowel sound doubled and a low tone on the first, with the understanding that we respect the high tone on the second. E.G.
Yìi – come
kàa – draw
bùu – come back
kìi – to refuse
fùu – to hit
sùu – to wash
zɛ̀ɛ – to peal
fɛ̀ɛ – to go on a visit
Words with the High-Low (HL) Tone Pattern
Fyâ – give
Shə̂ – to weed
Kî – to cry
Sû – entertain
Fû – go out
Zε̂ – yawn
The two lettered verbs above can also be rightly written with the vowel sound doubled and a low tone on the second, with the understanding that we respect the high tone on the first. E.G.
kiì – to cry
suù – to entertain
fuù – to go out
zɛɛ̀ – to yawn
Some words also take a Low High Low (L H L) Tone Pattern. Eg
Ngarə̀ – a gun
fə̀nenə̀ – grass bird
àbaŋə̀ – a barn
àbanə̀ – corn fufu
àto’ò – a tin
ə̀larə̀ – upper part of the mouth
àtsaŋə̀ – a prison
Related Lessons
NKWEN LANGUAGE LESSONS Greetings, family, Alphabet, Tone Marks, Numbers
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The promotion of Mother Tongue education
Awesome content
Good lesson. Keep it up.
Great job
Thanks
Hello sister, with much appreciation the initiative is brilliant and I’m wishes you all the best. Looking forward to discuss details of the important of Nkwen language.
Happy New Year Brother. Thanks for commenting. I’m happy you followed up.