The Second and Third Tone
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Pravit -
I agree with the problem of exaggerated 3rd tone pronunciation. I have noticed it leads to some
foreign learners pronouncing words such as 喜欢 or 改变 as xi2huan1 or gai2bian4 because they
try to compress the entire "dipping" noise instead of pronouncing it simply as a flat low tone.
The 3rd tone, if you're going to pronounce it in the "dipping" way, at its lowest point, should
reach to the very bottom of your vocal register(so it sounds almost like you're croaking).
However, in normal speech, you should just pronounce it as a flat tone that is lower relative to
the syllables in front of and after it.
I also think you should try making a recording of the wordlist againstwind provided, as syllables
in isolation are a bit unnatural.
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simonlaing -
Hey Hero Doug,
Et al. I think getting a good teacher and training your ear to hear the difference in the tones so
that you can correct your self when you say it wrong is the best way.
And there is a neat free website.
I agree though it is the combination where the tones can be tricky.
http://www.shufawest.us/language/tonedrill.html
http://www.shufawest.us/language/tonedrill.html
yeah try it. It's pretty nifty.
have fun,
Simon Laing
www.chinesetutor.net
Hero Doug -
Pravit >> I like the suggestion of pronouncing the third tone a flat low tone. It seem's to work
well since you can sort of hear the voice dropping as well. I think this idea will come in handy.
And I know that I won't be saying the tones by themselves very much, but I rushed the book the
first time so I'm going to do it right this time around. The first lesson is really the only one
that has solo tones.
When I get to the lessons with words (each lesson focuses on a sound of pinyin) I'll make
againstwinds word list it's own lesson.
simonlaing >> Thanks for the links, I'll be sure to make use of them.
roddy -
Quote:
Pravit >> I like the suggestion of pronouncing the third tone a flat low tone. It seem's to work
well since you can sort of hear the voice dropping as well. I think this idea will come in handy.
The most valuable thing you are ever likely to read about the third tone comes from
汉语语音教程, by 曹文, BLCU (ISBN: 7-5619-1057-6), which was recommended originally by
Carlo way back when the Earth was young.
I seem to have temporarily mislaid my copy, so let me recall, translate and paraphrase all in one.
I'm sure I don't have it exactly right, so blame me not 曹文.
Quote:
The characteristics of the third tone are long, low and flat. In certain cases, the speaker may
raise their voice at the end, but this sounds exaggerated and is used for emphasis.
anonymoose -
I don't have any references, but as far as I understand it, the 3rd tone is only pronounced in its
entirety when it is the last syllable in a sentence. Otherwise, in mid sentence, the rising part
is cut-off, leaving just the low falling part, which can very nearly be approximated to a low
level tone.
HashiriKata -
It's useful to remember that the changes necessary for, and problems associated with, the 3rd tone
are due to the fact that at full value, this tone is twice as long as other tones.
duaaagiii -
I myself generally pronounce the third tone as a low falling tone, even at the end of a sentence
(except, for instance, when imitating people from China). It's typically okay to use a low falling
tone when a full third tone is called for, but it is not okay to do the opposite.
<<恒心>> -
Hero Doug:
The point about the half-third tone being a tone that drops and stays low has already been made,
and it's a critical one. But would a good visual help cement it further (or would that be
画蛇添足?) Anyway, for what it's worth, this open source chart via Wikipedia might set it in
your mind in another way:
Hero Doug -
Thanks all for the confirmations.
Roddy, I'll take a look into that book you posted when I'm done the set I'm working on now.
Now I've seen the length of time a tone should be said mentioned a few times. As far as I
understand the tones are to be said differently with regards to duration.
Third, first, second, fourth - from longest to quickest.
I also assume the time difference from one to another is just enough to notice there is a time
difference.
How accurate is this?
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