Originally Posted by
Phil Redmond
In Mandarin there are four tones. Cantonese has seven. One word can be said in seven different 'muscial' tones and have completely different meanings. For instance. Haih is the verb, 'to be'. Hai can also mean a female sexual organ. The letter 'h' in the verb 'to be' to notates that the sound is a low tone. So if you dont' say a word in the correct tone you can end up saying something really bad.
Phil
That's very confusing! It's actually the same way in Hawaiian. A misplaced accent, however slight, can change an inocuous phrase into something unexpected (and usually sexual.)
I wish that there was all the time in the world to learn Cantonese and Mandarin. I understand that they are some of the hardest languages to learn.
~~J
Akahai - Modesty
Lokahi Aku Like - Unison and harmony
'Olu 'Olu Ka Manao - Pleasant thoughts
Ha'a Ha'a - Humility
Ahonui A Lanakila - Patience will achieve your goals