Which tone pair drills should I practice first
The recommended tone pair drills to practice first are those involving the first tone paired with other tones. These are often easier and provide a good foundation for learners to get accustomed to the tonal interactions in Mandarin. For example, tone pair drills starting with the first tone (high and flat tone) combined with a second tone, third tone, or fourth tone are effective initial practice. These pairs help learners focus on the contrast between tones and master the natural flow of connected speech.
Practical advice includes starting with simple tone pairs such as 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4, progressively increasing difficulty while practicing each pair in context with actual words rather than nonsense syllables. This method builds a strong tonal foundation before moving to more complex tone pair combinations. Additionally, incorporating listening to native speakers and repeating them, as well as using visual aids to understand tone contours, can enhance learning. 1, 2, 3, 4