The Flow of Mandarin
  • Home
  • Table of Contents
    • Course Tutorials >
      • Your First Recording
    • Sound System Primer >
      • Syllable Finals >
        • Syllable Finals 1
        • Syllable Finals 2
        • Syllable Finals 3
      • Syllable Initials >
        • Syllable Initials 1
        • Syllable Initials 2
        • Syllable Initials 3
    • Phonetic Training >
      • Introduction
      • Basics
      • Construction
      • Memorization
      • Mimic & Meaning
      • Conclusion
    • Song Lessons >
      • Unit 1: BJ2NY >
        • Lesson 1: Taxi Part 1
        • Lesson 2: Taxi Part 2
        • Lesson 3: BJ2NY Part 1
        • Lesson 4: BJ2NY Part 2
      • Unit 2: Tone Bootcamp >
        • Single Tones (Pt 1) >
          • Tonal Relativity
          • Single Tones
          • Tone Comparisons
          • Single Tones Submission
        • Tone Pairs (Pt 2) >
          • Tone Pairs A
          • Tone Pairs B
          • Tone Pairs C
          • Tone Pairs D
          • Tonal Mimicry & Meaning
      • Unit 3: Tonal Infusion >
        • Lesson 1
        • Lesson 2
        • Lesson 3
        • Lesson 4
        • Lesson 5
        • Lesson 6
      • Unit 4: Mimicry Training
  • Tone Bootcamp
  • Help
Introduction | Tonal Relativity | The Five Tones |  | Tone Comparisons | Submission

The Five Tones

Mandarin has five different tones. Most Mandarin programs focus on naming these tones, but this can actually be detrimental to the learning of the language. It often causes us to overthink the sounds in a way that inhibits the natural flow.  

It's not important to know what the names of the tones are, you just gotta feel them. It's like learning a musical instrument. 
​

You don't have to know the name of the notes to make beautiful music with them. You just have to develop an appreciation of the nuances and relationships. 

So instead of naming the tones, we are just going to focus on listening to their nuances and mimicking them.  

Directions

Listen closely to the tracks below a few times and practice mimicking the pitch, duration and movement of each sound EXACTLY. The more time and focus you put into perceiving and mimicking the nuances of these sounds, the faster you will develop your sensitivity to them.

Normal Speed

Backup Link: Five Tones Looped A
Backup Link: Five Tones Looped B

Reduced Speed

Backup Link: Five Tones Looped A (50% Reduced Speed)
Backup Link: Five Tones Looped B (50% Reduced Speed)

Remember what I said earlier - you will not fully appreciate these sounds your first time.  It actually takes at least a few weeks of intense exposure to really master these sounds, so it's important to remain patient.

Next>>>
Introduction | Tonal Relativity | The Five Tones |  | Tone Comparisons | Submission
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.