Major Phonological Characteristics of Modern Standard Chinese
Major Phonological Characteristics of Modern Standard Chinese Definitions 1. ... Modern Standard Chinese is based largely on Beijing, or Northern Chinese pronunciation. ... Structure of Chinese Syllables (3 components) In general, Chinese syllables are made up of three component parts labelled: initial, final and tone. ... ming (2nd tone) m- initial -ing final / tone - Finite number of syllables - 420 different syllables + tones - 1300 sounds for Modern Standard Chinese Initals - 6 groups of initials - Initials consist of 21 consonants or semi-vowels (y and w) categorised into 6 groups Labials – lips b, p, m, f, (w) Alveolars – tongue tip alveolar d, t, n l Gutterals – soft palate g, k, h Platals – palatals j, q, x, (y) Retroflexes – hard palate ch, sh, r, zh Dental sibilants – alveolar z, c, s - 3 areas of the mouth are utilised - 1.