Acoustic Analysis of Chinese Tone Errors by Vietnam Second Language Learners in Different Contexts

This study investigated the Chinese tone production in various contexts (including in isolated characters, and at sentence-final, sentence-mid, and sentence-initial positions) by second language (L2) learners from Vietnam. Two groups of participants joined the acoustic experiments here, including the targeted group of 20 Vietnam second language learners of Chinese (mid to advanced level) and the control group of 20 native speakers of Chinese (broadcasting major). They were required to read aloud the questionnaire and audio recordings were made. The parameters of f0 and duration of these recordings were measured by the Praat software and were further analysed. With reference to the data of the control group, the tone errors by the Vietnam learners can be clearly and systematically shown. The experiment results indicated that context exerts an important effect on tone error patterns of L2 learners. In addition to pitch features, tone error analysis should also pay attention to the duration parameter and the rhythmic features. The research paradigm and findings of the present study provide an important reference for the teaching and learning of Chinese pronunciation for L2 learners.

Keywords

Vietnam second language learner context Chinese tones acoustic experiment

source

International Journal of Chinese Language Education; Jun 2022; Issue No. 11; p.29 - 44

Publisher

Department of Chinese Language Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong
Chinese Language Program, Columbia University
Chung Hwa Book Co. (H.K.) Ltd.

Language

Chinese

ISSN

2520-7733 (Print); 2521-4241 (Online)