Analysis on the Mandarin Vowel System and the English Vowel System

Abstract

A large number of second-language learners, no matter Chinese learners of English or English learners of Mandarin, find it hard to pronounce different sounds from different language systems. This is a vital issue to be solved in language speaking and especially in language teaching. There is an interesting phenomenon that most Chinese learners of English are poor at speaking, although they might get good grades in reading and listening. For English learners of Mandarin, it is also tough since some sounds in Mandarin do not appear or appear infrequently in English. This paper introduces the two vowel systems of Mandarin and English and compares and explains the differences between them by reviewing previous research. All the data come from quoting materials. To conclude, the English vowel system and the Mandarin vowel system are different in classification and tone, and both languages have some sounds that are not involved in the other language. There are some methods that make it easier for language learners to pronounce better.