Explanation

Yoruba has three tone marks to show pitch. Low tone uses (\), high tone uses (/), and mid tone uses no mark or (~). These marks tell you how to say each syllable.

Tones change word meanings in Yoruba. The same letters with different tones make different words. The marks help you know which meaning is intended.

Learning tone marks is essential for Yoruba. Without them, you might say the wrong word completely.