Describe the frequency of declarative speech in the original speaker and learner in USU FIB

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 126 views

Introduction

The Mandarin language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 1 billion speakers. However, for foreign learners, the accuracy of tone is a significant challenge. Mandarin has four tones, namely: high tone (阴平 yinping), rising tone (阳平 yangping), tone down (上声 shangsheng), tone down (去声 qusheng), and neutral tone. Declative speech in Mandarin is a speech that is expected to be understood by the other person. This study aims to analyze the frequency and tone of the Mandarin declarative speech in the original speaker and the Mandarin language learner at the USU Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB).

Background of the Study

Mandarin language learning is a complex process, and one of the significant challenges faced by learners is the accurate production of tones. The accuracy of tone is crucial in Mandarin language communication, as it can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, the word "ma" can mean "mother," "horse," "hemp," or "scold," depending on the tone used. The correct production of tones is essential for effective communication in Mandarin.

Research Objectives

This study aims to:

Describe the frequency of declarative speech in the original speaker and learner in USU FIB. This objective aims to identify the frequency of declarative speech in the original speaker and learner in USU FIB.
Describe the declarative speech tone in the original speaker and the Mandarin learner in USU FIB. This objective aims to identify the tone of declarative speech in the original speaker and the Mandarin learner in USU FIB.
Describe the pattern of declarative speech tones in Mandarin in original speakers and learners in USU FIB. This objective aims to identify the pattern of declarative speech tones in Mandarin in original speakers and learners in USU FIB.

Methodology

Data is collected through a declarative speech sound recording of Mandarin by the original speaker and learner. Respondents are divided by sex. The sound frequency is recorded and analyzed, then compared to the original speaker data. Learners involved are Chinese Literature students of USU FIB Semester VIII. The theory used in this study was the Mandarin language theory by Chao Yuan Ren and the Praat Voice Analysis Program.

Results

The results showed that the highest frequency (597.69 Hz) was found in the third declarative speech, spoken by respondents from the Toba Batak tribe. The lowest frequency (75.4 Hz) was found in declarative speech spoken by respondents from the Batak Mandailing tribe. Analysis of the tone and pattern of mandarin language by learners indicates some sound differences. This results in differences in the pattern of tones produced by the learner, thus changing the meaning of the initial declarative speech.

Discussion

The results of this study have several implications. First, the difference in frequency and tone shows that the learner is still difficult to produce Mandarin tones accurately. Second, differences in tone patterns show that understanding and application of the phonetic rules of the Mandarin language by learners still requires development. Third, this research provides an overview of the challenges faced by Mandarin learners in producing declarative speech.

Conclusion

This study has contributed to the understanding of the challenges faced by Mandarin learners in producing declarative speech. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of Mandarin teaching methods in USU FIB, especially in terms of practicing Mandarin language skills more effectively and efficiently.

Recommendations for Future Research

This research can be continued by involving more respondents from various ethnic backgrounds and language skills. Research can also focus on more in-depth analysis of the factors that influence learners' difficulties in producing mandarin tones, such as phonological, sociolinguistic, and psychological factors.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. First, the sample size is limited to Chinese Literature students of USU FIB Semester VIII. Second, the study only focuses on declarative speech and does not include other types of speech. Third, the study only analyzes the frequency and tone of declarative speech and does not include other aspects of Mandarin language learning.

Implications of the Study

The results of this study have several implications for Mandarin language teaching and learning. First, the study highlights the importance of practicing Mandarin language skills more effectively and efficiently. Second, the study suggests that learners need to develop a better understanding and application of the phonetic rules of the Mandarin language. Third, the study provides an overview of the challenges faced by Mandarin learners in producing declarative speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has contributed to the understanding of the challenges faced by Mandarin learners in producing declarative speech. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of Mandarin teaching methods in USU FIB, especially in terms of practicing Mandarin language skills more effectively and efficiently.

Q: What is Mandarin declarative speech tone?

A: Mandarin declarative speech tone refers to the tone used in Mandarin language when making a statement or declaration. It is a crucial aspect of Mandarin language communication, as it can change the meaning of the sentence.

Q: Why is Mandarin declarative speech tone important?

A: Mandarin declarative speech tone is important because it can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, the word "ma" can mean "mother," "horse," "hemp," or "scold," depending on the tone used. The correct production of tones is essential for effective communication in Mandarin.

Q: What are the four tones in Mandarin?

A: The four tones in Mandarin are:

High tone (阴平 yinping): This tone is pronounced with a high pitch and is often represented by a rising tone mark.
Rising tone (阳平 yangping): This tone is pronounced with a rising pitch and is often represented by a rising tone mark.
Tone down (上声 shangsheng): This tone is pronounced with a falling pitch and is often represented by a falling tone mark.
Tone down (去声 qusheng): This tone is pronounced with a falling pitch and is often represented by a falling tone mark.

Q: What are the challenges faced by Mandarin learners in producing declarative speech?

A: Mandarin learners face several challenges in producing declarative speech, including:

Difficulty in producing accurate tones: Mandarin learners often struggle to produce accurate tones, which can change the meaning of the sentence.
Difficulty in understanding phonetic rules: Mandarin learners may not fully understand the phonetic rules of the Mandarin language, which can lead to difficulties in producing declarative speech.
Difficulty in practicing Mandarin language skills: Mandarin learners may not have sufficient opportunities to practice Mandarin language skills, which can lead to difficulties in producing declarative speech.

Q: How can Mandarin learners improve their declarative speech tone?

A: Mandarin learners can improve their declarative speech tone by:

Practicing Mandarin language skills regularly: Regular practice can help learners develop their declarative speech tone.
Seeking feedback from native speakers: Seeking feedback from native speakers can help learners identify areas for improvement.
Using language learning resources: Using language learning resources, such as language learning apps and online courses, can help learners improve their declarative speech tone.

Q: What are the implications of this study for Mandarin language teaching and learning?

A: The implications of this study for Mandarin language teaching and learning are:

Importance of practicing Mandarin language skills: The study highlights the importance of practicing Mandarin language skills regularly.
Need for better understanding and application of phonetic rules: The study suggests that learners need to develop a better understanding and application of the phonetic rules of the Mandarin language.
Challenges faced by Mandarin learners: The study provides an overview of the challenges faced by Mandarin learners in producing declarative speech.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

Limited sample size: The study only includes Chinese Literature students of USU FIB Semester VIII.
Limited focus: The study only focuses on declarative speech and does not include other types of speech.
Limited analysis: The study only analyzes the frequency and tone of declarative speech and does not include other aspects of Mandarin language learning.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: The recommendations for future research are:

Involving more respondents: Future research should involve more respondents from various ethnic backgrounds and language skills.
Focusing on more in-depth analysis: Future research should focus on more in-depth analysis of the factors that influence learners' difficulties in producing mandarin tones.
Analyzing other aspects of Mandarin language learning: Future research should analyze other aspects of Mandarin language learning, such as reading and writing.