In Chinese each separate word, pronounced with a definite intonation may have four various meanings. These intonations are distinct in literature and in spoken language.
For example: "ma"
 |
I tone (level) | a mother |   |
 |
II tone (rising) | fibre crops |  |
 |
III tone (falling-rising) | a horse | |
 |
IV tone (falling) | to scold |  |
It is not a problem to learn to translate from Chinese into other Languages or other written languages. But as far as four tones are concerned the solution of this problem remains without any result. The net of the universities, where Chinese is taught is spread all over the world. It is a common phenomenon.
After the first year of studying students make mistakes in reading. They also can't reproduce the exact tone. In reading even university graduates make essential mistakes, reproducing a tone.
What is the reason? It's not easy to keep in mind the pitch of a sound therefore my method is worked out to solve this problem. It means that methods of teaching Chinese is based on the methods of learning songs.
There are four tones in Chinese: ,
, ,
are substituted
by the notest Re, Do, Sol, La.
I tone is read "Re"
II tone is read "Do"
III tone is read "Sol"
IV tone is read "La"
Consequently, each word, sentence, and phrase has its speech melody, which consists of four speaking notes:
You can't learn without hard work .
It is nice weather today.
A note pattern is used in this method. Like in music, it consists of five lines. At first speech melody is read, then it is repeated with the words (like in a song learning; at first a speech melody is learnt and then it is sung with the words). This method suggests teaching the tone separately (a speech melody).
This teaching method consists of two parts:
The purpose of this metnod is to master and acquire gradually a four tone complex.
Only in such a way it is possible to achieve a perfect four tone language acquisition.
My method suggests the use of four key instruments, reproduce four tones.
The use of this instrument will permit performing of any speech melody. And so it is possible to guarantee a language learner an exact pronunciation during individual reading. A language learner plays a speech melody, repeats words like in a song learning, where a musical melody is played the piano and words are sung. Thus it possible for a language learner to self-control himself by means an instrument.
This method presupposes note reading. Each lesson lasts 45 min during the first and the second year students should have 2 lesson a week.
I have written three theoretical works:
In all the above mentioned works musical theory and practice are used, which finally have led to the absolute agreement with the eminent Russian composer Musorgskiy, who said that "A human speech is strictly regulated by musical laws".
The
authors address: The author was born in Beijing in 1937. In 1972 he graduated from Novosibirsk conservatory department of theory and composing. He took Soviet citizenship in 1976 and became a member of the Composers' Union. At present is a member of the Ukrainian Composers' Union and has Ukrainian citizenship.