Special attention is called to the sounds represented by ṳ, j, ch, chh, k, kh, ph, t, and th which have no exact equivalents in English. The k, p, and t, should be pronounced without even the slight aspiration to be detected in English. The exact sounds must be learned from a good teacher. Of the vowels it may be said in general, that their quantity is longer than that of vowels in English words.
The Tones.
The tones are all-important. The proper use of them is indisensable in order to be understood. They can be learned correctly from the living teacher only.
Originally there were but four tones, known as,
- Phêⁿ-siaⁿ,
- even tone.
- Siãng-siaⁿ,
- rising tone.
- Khṳ̀-siaⁿ,
- departing tone.
- Ji̍p-siaⁿ,
- entering tone.
In the course of time, modifications were introduced, and four more tones came to be added, making eight in all,—the number now used.
- Chiēⁿ-phêⁿ,
- upper even.
- Ẽ-phêⁿ,
- lower even.
- Chiēⁿ-siãng,
- upper rising.
- Ẽ-siãng,
- lower rising.
- Chiēⁿ-khṳ̀,
- upper departing.
- Ẽ-khṳ̀,
- lower departing.
- Chiēⁿ-ji̍p,
- upper entering.
- Ẽ-ji̍p,
- lower entering.
These are illustrated in the diagram on the next page. At the corners of the small squares are indicated the Chinese mode of marking tones. Within the square is given a sample Chinese character to aid the learner when asking the teacher the tone of any particular word or character. Below the squares are the names of the Chinese tones above represented, and the marks by which they are indicated in this book, These are the same as those used in Mr. Duffus’ Vocabulary. The nomenclature is similar to that used in Miss Fielde‘s Dictionary.
