Tonal languages vs. English (about Asian tones).

Native English speakers often find it challenging when learning to speak an Asian language such as Thai, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, or Vietnamese. Asian accents and sounds are genetically different. In other words, the Asian language is a tonal language. English is a non-tonal language. Tonal languages require accent and changes in pitch. In many cases, the pitch may be initiate in the mouth. In other cases, the change in pitch occurs within the throat or from the abdomen.

Tonal language vs. English

A tonal language utilises pitch changes to distinguish words. Its role is very important that changes in pitch lead to change in a word's pronunciation, as well as the general meaning. Depending on the accent in a word and the high and low of the pitch, its meaning can change dramatically.

For example: "Tôi" is a Vietnamese word. It will have different meaning when you change the stress and the pitch when speaking.

"Tôi" and medium pitch = I

"Tối" and high pitch = Dark

"Tội" and low pitch = Poor

English does not change tone to distinguish words. The pitch changes in spoken only to emphasise certain words. For example, a lower pitch indicates the end of a sentence and a higher pitch indicates the end of a questions. Therefore, English speakers will be a little confused when start to learn a tonal language.

How to learn a tonal language for English speakers?

You might feel like you are lost at first in a completely new world of a tonal language. You will have no idea how to learn a language which has eleven different vowel sounds and six different tones like Vietnamese language.

My experience in learning Vietnamese is trying not to feel stressed about the tones and vowels. That is how it is so just go with it and practice. Don't give up. The more you practice the better.

I am a type of person who prefer self-paced learning because I want to be more control in my study pace. So, I tried a Vietnamese language learning materials, Vietnamese for Beginners from Paiboon Publishing website. The materials are very high quality and it helps me a lot to learn the use of high and low tone when listening to the dialogue of Vietnamese natives. I am very happy with their products. You can get it for yourself, too. Just go to their website, www.paiboonpublishing.com.au, and you will see they have a wide range of Asian language learning materials including both textbooks and audio.

Learning an Asian language can be challenging, but with high quality audio materials from Paiboon Publishing, you will find more enjoyment in the learning process. Their interesting lessons with the audio materials will guide you and keep you motivated for the next lesson and keep going and going. The key is to practice the concepts with those who are fluent in the language. This interaction will encourage the student to learn the proper pronunciation and nuances of the language. With Paiboon Publishing's quality offerings CDs, DVDs, books, and booklets, you are on the road to success when it comes to learning a new Asian language.