Tone 1 pronounced as Tone 2 in monosyllabic words

  • The native speaker's reading of Tone 1 "淹" is relatively flat and leveled. Difference between the maximum and minimum pitch values is around 30Hz. Pitch height (around 280Hz) is higher than learners' reading.
  • For the learners' reading of the same word with Tone 1, it is common that the pitch values fall in the middle of tone contour and then rise at the end. Differences between the maximum and minimum pitch values are around 60-90Hz. Pitch heights (160-230Hz) are lower than the native speaker's reading.

Suggestions for teachers:

  • remind students to keep high pitch value throughout Tone 1 pronunciation
  • remind students to avoid pitch falling in the middle of Tone 1 pronunciation

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