Tones are the most challenging aspect of learning Chinese as a second language, and L2 learners' perceptual categories differ in important and fascinating ways from those of native speakers. This book explores the relationship between tone perception and production among native speakers and non-native learners as illustrated in the experiments the author conducted with native speakers, true learners and heritage learners, all of whom were tested on their ability to produce tones naturally and to perceive 81 synthesized tones in various contexts. The experiments show that each group processes tones differently with regard to both register (tonal level) and contour (tonal shape). The results also reveal how three types of cues acoustic, psychological and contextual influence non-native speakers' tone perception and production.

Investigates non-native speakers' perception and production of tones in different contexts, as well as the connection between tones' acoustic and psychological features Employs synthesized tones to study second language acquisition of Mandarin tones systematically Compares native speakers with both true learners and heritage learners Outlines a new, organic, powerful path towards L2 language acquisition that deals realistically with both learners' strengths and weaknesses Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Introduction.- Literature Review.- Variables and Pitch Normalization.- Native Speakers' Production.- Native Speakers' Perception.- Non-native Speakers' Perception.- Non-native Speakers' Production.- Implications.