How do chant and heightened speech differ in Polynesian musical performance?

In Polynesian musical performance, traditional songs are primarily vocal and often categorized as either chant, heightened speech, or a combination of both. While these styles serve as vehicles for poetry, they differ in their structural characteristics:1

• Chant: This style utilizes a limited number of tone levels—typically a third or a fourth apart—and features frequent tone repetitions. Its rhythmic organization can vary, sometimes adhering to strict rhythmic patterns.1
• Heightened Speech: This style functions as a form of recitation. Its rhythmic organization is specifically bound to the natural accents of the words being spoken.1

In some regions, such as Tuvalu, the same text may be performed using either style. Both methods are integral to the performance of oral traditions, which are used to honor high-ranking individuals and recount genealogical or mythological narratives.12