Original article | International Journal of Language and Education Research 2024, Vol. 6(3) 20-34
The Production of Chinese Tones: An Investigation of Pronunciation Errors Among Sri Lankan University Students
Thelikada Kankanamge Asela Prabath Kumara & Niyagama Gamage Dilan Madushanka
pp. 20 - 34 | Manu. Number: MANU-2409-04-0003
Published online: December 29, 2024 | Number of Views: 6 | Number of Download: 16
Abstract
This study delves into the nuances of Chinese tone production errors among Sri Lankan undergraduate students. Employing a robust experimental methodology, we not only analyze these errors but also uncover their root causes. Our findings underscore notable distinctions between the tone production of Sri Lankan students and that of native Chinese speakers. These variations encompass shorter durations of the fourth tone, a more constrained and lower tonal range, and a marked prevalence of the Yangping tonal pattern. Moreover, a noteworthy pattern emerges – Sri Lankan students frequently interchange the Yangping and upper tones, often leading to mispronunciations. Through an extensive analysis, we scrutinize the sources underpinning these errors. These factors encompass the negative influence stemming from the Sinhala mother tongue, the intricate nature of Chinese tonal systems, the intricate challenges tied to acquiring fine-grained tonal differentiations, and shortcomings in current pedagogical methods. Building upon these discerned errors and their causal factors, this study proffers effective pedagogical strategies tailored to address the unique challenges encountered by Sri Lankan learners. By bolstering their proficiency in Chinese tone production, these strategies can pave the way for enhanced language acquisition. This research adheres to a quantitative research approach. Participants were drawn from Sri Lankan university students actively engaged in learning Chinese as a foreign language. Our data collection process involved meticulously designed experimental tasks, which elicited participants' pronunciation of Chinese tones under controlled conditions. Subsequently, the amassed data underwent rigorous statistical analysis, allowing us to pinpoint recurrent error patterns and plausible correlations with the identified causal factors. These methodological choices were carefully made to ensure the dependability and credibility of our research outcomes.
Keywords: Chinese tones, Sri Lankan university students, error analysis, experimental study, pedagogical strategies.
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