Features of the tonal system of the Chinese language: methods of its study and teaching

This scientific work is devoted to the study of the tonal system of the Chinese language and the analysis of methods of its study. The Chinese language differs from most European languages in its tonality – the presence of tones that play a lexical- distinctive function. The paper examines the features of the tonal system of Putonghua (modern standard Chinese), describes the difficulties faced by learners of Chinese, and analyzes the most effective methods of teaching and self- studying Chinese tones. The work is intended for teachers of Chinese, linguists, as well as students and anyone interested in the phonetics and specifics of the Chinese tonal system.