Mandarin Tone Acquisition: A Typological Approach

Key Points

• This research aims to analyze the accuracy and error characteristics of Mandarin tones in L1 Korean speakers at different proficiency levels.
• Built a dataset of 39,763 tone samples from L1 Korean speakers at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
• Analyzed tone accuracy and error types, focusing on the influence of syllable structure and tone markedness on acquisition.
• Examined the relationship between proficiency levels and tone accuracy in Mandarin.
• Found no significant difference in tone accuracy between beginner and intermediate levels, but a marked difference at advanced level.
• Identified challenges in acquiring tones, particularly with the second and third tones, indicating a delay in mastery.
• Noted that simpler syllable structures like CV show more pronounced acquisition delays due to tonal complexity.