Production of Initials by Mandarin Learners: L1 and L2 Clogging

Abstract

Accurate production of initials is a common issue faced by learners and teachers of Chinese as a foreig yet an essential prerequisite for effective communication in Mandarin Chinese. This study intends to e nature of L1 and L2 influence on pronunciation of the Mandarin Chinese initials in Sri Lankan co observed that owing to improper, interrupted or erroneous instruction, less practice and controversies o pronunciation code learners often tend to substitute sounds of their first language and second languag sounds of Mandarin Chinese. It is emphasised that core knowledge of phonemics and phonetics is a cru Core understanding of the speech organs, places of articulation and manner of articulation to be prov students at the initial stage acquiring the pronunciation code. The study proposes a study plan for effic in the acquisition of Mandarin initials including six steps to resolve key issues governing inaccurate pr