English Native Chinese Learners Double Syllable Tonal Characteristics And Influencing Factor Of Acquisition

Mandarin Chinese tones has always been a difficulty for foreign students.In Chinese,tones transmit the most information and distinguish word meaning.For foreign students that native language is non tonal,such as English native speakers,it is very hard to understand and grasp the concept of tones.This research uses "picture speak" reading method,traditional perception method and acoustic experimental method.This paper uses second language acquisition theory,sociolinguistics and interlanguage theory.The experiment includes 5 English native students who are learning Mandarin and have passed HSK 5.The 5 subjects were recorded saying 64 Chinese two syllable words including every variation of tones in Chinese language,they also were recorded saying 20 English two syllable words.11 Chinese students then marked down which tones they heard from the recording for both English and Chinese words.The subjects Chinese tones 3+4 1+4 and 2+4 occurred the most and used them in places of 4+3 4+1 and 2+1 tones which occurred the least.The reason 3+4,1+4 and 2+4 tones was pronounced quite well mainly because of the effect of English stress.When saying these tones the subjects unconsciously used English stress patterns.Lastly some teaching suggestions are mentioned.