Three tonal levels, twenty-two possible contour tones over each syllable.

The three basic tones are high, mid (least marked), and low. These may interact with each other and glottalized consonants to produce a complex tonal contour for the lengthier words.

There are seven syllables, ther are distinguished by "tones" (musical notes in an octave)

three tones: high(marked with circumflex), mid(unmarked), low(mark with grave accent)

minimal pairs:

te - three

tê - the sun

tè - magnetic power

no - circle; ring

nô - wheel

nò - rule; formula