Tonal Mimicry Exercises
Before you practice with this exercise, you will first learn the "Tonal Infusion," - a "ma....ma...ma" version of the speech that maintains accurate rhythm, timing and tones (left-side audio clips).
This is a more advanced exercise that will allow you to focus all your attention on the flow before overloading your brain with the syllables. Practice with the audio files below by mimicking the just the tones as well as the actual speech. Don't get frustrated if you are having difficulties at first, your brain will catch on with repeated sessions.
Try to hear the difference between what you sounded like before vs. now. You can refer back to this page as often as you like.
Line 1
Meaning: Where do you want to drive to?
你要开到哪里去
Word for Word: ni (drive)...yao (want)...kai (drive)...(dao) to...na li (where)...qu (go)
Line 2
Meaning: Don't lose (leave) me here
别把我丢在这里
Word for Word: bie (don't)...ba wo(do <action> me)...diu (lose)...zai (in)...zheli (this place)
Line 3
Meaning: Tomorrow I will lodge a complaint against you
我明天要投诉你
Word for Word: wo (I)...mingtian (tomorrow)...yao (want)....tou su (lodge a complaint)....ni (you)
Line 4
Meaning: But I forgot the license plate!
但是车牌忘了记
Word for Word: danshi (but)...chepai (license plate)....wang le ji (forgot)