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[[File:Lie hør.mp3|thumb|"Hello" in Taiwanese, written '''''[[Lie hør!]]''''']]  
[[File:Lie hør.mp3|thumb|"Hello" in Taiwanese, written '''''[[Lie hør!]]''''']]  


'''''Li<u>e</u> hø<u>r</u>!''''' [[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]] is a beautiful and musical language spoken in [[Taioaan|Taiwan]] and by Taiwanese people around the world. This '''''Beginner's Guide to Taiwanese''''' will provide you with a brief introduction to the spoken language as well as a writing system called [[Modern Taiwanese Language]] (MTL).  
'''''Li<u>e</u> hø<u>r</u>!''''' [[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]] is a beautiful and musical language spoken in [[Taioaan|Taiwan]] and by Taiwanese people around the world. This '''''Beginner's Guide to Taiwanese''''' will provide you with a brief introduction to the spoken language as well as the [[Modern Literal Taiwanese]] writing system, which we call MTL for "Modern Taiwanese Language".


Most speakers of Taiwanese aren't aware that there are several writing systems for the language. ''[[Pe̍h-ōe-jī]]'' (POJ), also known as Church Romanization, might be the most popular romanization, though the government is now promoting a similar system called [[TRS]]. We're going to use MTL here because we found it very useful while studying Taiwanese at the [[Washington DC Taiwanese School]], and we think it could help you too. True, most Taiwanese speakers won't be able to read any of these systems, but they will probably understand you better because you learned one.
Most speakers of Taiwanese aren't aware that there are several writing systems for the language. ''[[Pe̍h-ōe-jī]]'' (POJ), also known as Church Romanization, might be the most popular romanization, though the government is now promoting a similar system called ''[[Tâi-lô]]''. We're going to use MTL here because we found it very useful while studying Taiwanese at the [[Washington DC Taiwanese School]], and we think it could help you too. True, most Taiwanese speakers won't be able to read any of these systems, but they will probably understand you better because you learned one.


== How to make a syllable ==
== How to make a syllable ==
The three important parts of a syllable we will look at first are: starting consonant, vowel, and ending consonant. We will talk about tones later.  
Let's learn how to write any syllable using the [[MLT alphabet]]. The three important parts of a syllable we will look at first are: starting consonant, vowel, and ending consonant. We will talk about tones later.  


=== Initial consonants ===
=== Initial consonants ===
A syllable can start with one of [[List of all initial consonants in MTL|18 initial consonants]]. Some sounds have an approximation in English, while others may be more exotic. For now, you can just ignore the silent indicators (mainly ''f'', ''r'', ''x'', ''v'').
A syllable can start with one of [[List of all initial consonants in MTL|18 initial consonants]]. Some sounds have an approximation in English, while others may be more exotic. For now, you can just ignore the silent indicators (mainly ''f'', ''x'', ''r'', ''v'').


[[File:Initial_consonants.mp3|thumb|none|Consonants]]
[[File:Initial_consonants.mp3|thumb|none|Consonants]]
Line 17: Line 17:
The ''p'' vs. ''b'' and ''k'' vs. ''g'' may be hard to differentiate at first. They are part of a three-way distinction, going from ''muddy'' to plain to [[Aspirated consonant|aspirated]].  
The ''p'' vs. ''b'' and ''k'' vs. ''g'' may be hard to differentiate at first. They are part of a three-way distinction, going from ''muddy'' to plain to [[Aspirated consonant|aspirated]].  
* ''b'' and ''g'' are voiced: the vocal cords vibrate along with the consonant
* ''b'' and ''g'' are voiced: the vocal cords vibrate along with the consonant
* ''p'', ''k'', ''t'' are unvoiced, crisp but not aspirated  
* ''p'', ''t'', ''k'' are unvoiced, crisp but not aspirated
* ''ph'', ''th'', ''kh'', ''ch'', and ''zh'' have a strong burst of breath
* ''ph'', ''th'', ''kh'', ''ch'', and ''zh'' are aspirated, having a strong burst of breath


=== Vowels ===
=== Vowels ===
A syllable in Taiwanese can't go without having a vowel. Refer to [[:File:Taiwanese7Tones.pdf|this chart]] which groups all the vowels into five categories: simple, compound, plus three categories ending in nasals.  
A syllable in Taiwanese can't go without having a vowel. [[Media:Seven Tones of Taiwanese.pdf|This chart, ''Seven Tones of Taiwanese'']], shows how to write any vowel in any tone. For now, just look at the basic tone, and the five categories: simple, compound, plus three categories ending in nasals.  


==== Single vowels ====
==== Single vowels ====
These are the {{w|pure vowel}} sounds.
These are the {{w|pure vowel}} sounds.


[[File:SimpleVowels.mp3]]
[[File:a, i, u, e, o, ø, m, ng.mp3|thumb|none|Vowels]]
[[File:ma, si, u, e, ho, tø, m, mng.mp3|thumb|none|Examples]]
 
{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
! MTL  !! Example !! Meaning  
! MTL  !! Example !! Meaning  
|-  
|-  
| [[a]]  || {{x|ka}} || to bite
| [[a]]  || {{x|ma}} || also; to scold
|-  
|-  
| [[i]]  || {{x|h<u>v</u>i|hvi}} || ear
| [[i]]  || {{x|si}} || is; yes; ...
|-  
|-  
| [[u]]  || {{x|u}} || to have  
| [[u]]  || {{x|u}} || to have
|-  
|-  
| [[e]]  || {{x|ke}} || low
| [[e]]  || {{x|e}} || to be able to; ...
|-  
|-  
| [[o]]  || {{x|lo}} || road
| [[o]]  || {{x|ho}} || rain; to give; ...
|-  
|-  
| [[ø]]  || {{x|hø<u>r</u>|hør}} || good
| [[ø]]  || {{x|tø}} || at once; ...
|-  
|-  
| [[m]]  || {{x|m}} || no
| [[m]]  || {{x|m}} || not; will not
|-  
|-  
| [[ng]] || {{x|hng}} || far
| {{x|ng}} || {{x|mng}} || to ask
|}   
|}   


We saw ''m'' earlier as a consonant, but it can stand alone as a vowel. In fact, both ''m'' and ''{{x|ng}}'' are complete syllables and complete words. We will see them both again later as final consonants.
* We saw ''m-'' earlier as a consonant, but here it's the vowel.
* In fact, both ''m'' and ''ng'' are complete syllables and complete words.  
* We will see -''m'' and -''ng'' as nasal final consonants (NFCs).


==== Compound vowels ====
==== Compound vowels ====
Line 53: Line 57:
These vowels are a combination of multiple pure vowel sounds.  
These vowels are a combination of multiple pure vowel sounds.  


[[File:CompoundVowels.mp3]]
[[File:ai, au, ia, iu, iø, iau, ui, oa, oe, oai.mp3]]
 
[[File:lai, au, ia, siu, biø, liau, ui, toa, hoe, phørhoai.mp3]]
{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
! MTL !! Example !! Meaning  
! MTL !! Example !! Meaning  
Line 64: Line 68:
| ia || {{x|ia}} || to spread  
| ia || {{x|ia}} || to spread  
|-  
|-  
| {{x|iu}} || {{x|chviu}} || elephant
| {{x|iu}} || {{x|siu}} || receive; accept; ...
|-  
|-  
| iø || {{x|kiøo}} || [[Kiøo (kauthofng)|bridge]]
| iø || {{x|biø}} || temple
|-  
|-  
| {{x|iau}} || {{x|liau}} || material/stuff  
| {{x|iau}} || {{x|liau}} || material/stuff  
Line 76: Line 80:
| {{x|oe}} || {{x|hoe}} || meeting
| {{x|oe}} || {{x|hoe}} || meeting
|-  
|-  
| oai || {{x|koaix}} || weird
| oai || {{x|hoai}} || bad; rotten. see ''{{x|phørhoai}}''
|}
|}


==== Vowel plus nasal final consonant ====
==== Vowel plus nasal final consonant ====


Several vowels can be capped with either ''m'', ''n'', or ''ng''.
Several vowels can be capped with a nasal final consonant (NFC), either -''m'', -''n'', or -''ng''.


[[File:RearNasal.mp3]]
[[File:am, im, iam, an, in, un, ien, oan, ang, eng, ong, iang, iong.mp3]]
[[File:lam, akim, liam, ban, kin, tun, lien, goan, bang, teng, gong, liang, iong.mp3]]


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
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| {{x|am}} || {{x|lam}} || to mix  
| {{x|am}} || {{x|lam}} || to mix  
|-  
|-  
| im || {{x|a'kim}} || aunt  
| im || {{x|akim}} || aunt  
|-  
|-  
| {{x|iam}} || {{x|liam}} || to nag
| {{x|iam}} || {{x|liam}} || to nag
Line 115: Line 119:
| {{x|iong}} || {{x|iong}} || to use
| {{x|iong}} || {{x|iong}} || to use
|}
|}
 
Some pointers:
Notes: ''ien'' is often spoken without the ''i''. Also, ''eng'' sounds similar to the first part of "English" (''{{x|Engbuun}}'').
* '''ien''' (from '''ia''' + '''n''' = '''ian'''): used to sound like "yan", then "yen", now usually "en"
 
* '''eng''' (from '''e''' + '''ng'''): used to sound as written, now is a little more like "ieng", but not quite "ing"
A syllable can only have one of ''m'', ''n'', ''ng'', or ''v'' at the same time. For example, ''man'' and ''mang'' are not valid syllables in Taiwanese. Exceptions: ''{{x|mng}}'' (to ask), ''{{x|mngg}}'' (door/hair), and various tones of ''[[ng|nng]]''.


==== Nasal vowels ====
==== Nasal vowels ====


These vowel sounds are made using your nose. Most vowels from the first two groups can be nasalized, indicated by a ''[[v]]'', chosen because it looks like the Greek letter "nu" ({{wt|ν}}).
These vowel sounds are made using your nose. Most vowels from the first two groups can be nasalized, indicated by the letter ''[[v]]'' (read like "you" in English but nasal), chosen because it looks like the Greek letter "nu" ({{wt|ν}}). The word for nose is ''{{x|phvi}}'', which also means "to smell".


[[File:FrontNasalV3.mp3]]
[[File:Front_nasal_new.mp3]]
[[File:va, hvi, gve, kiaugvo, vai, liengvau, kvia, sviu, gviaw, voa, svoai.mp3]]


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
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| va || {{x|va}}  || filling (for dumplings etc.)  
| va || {{x|va}}  || filling (for dumplings etc.)  
|-  
|-  
| {{x|vi}} || [[hvi]] || ear  
| {{x|vi}} || {{x|hvi}} || ear  
|-  
|-  
| ve || {{x|gve}} || stiff  
| ve || {{x|gve}} || stiff  
|-  
|-  
| vo || {{x|gvo}} || to comprehend
| vo || {{x|kiaugvo}} || proud; arrogant; haughty
|-  
|-  
| vai || {{x|vai}} || to carry on back  
| vai || {{x|vai}} || to carry on back  
|-  
|-  
| vau || {{x|gvau}} || [[liengvau|lotus root]]
| vau || {{x|liengvau}} || lotus root
|-  
|-  
| {{x|via}} || {{x|thviaf}} || to listen
| {{x|via}} || {{x|kvia}} || classifier for luggage, clothes, events
|-  
|-  
| {{x|viu}} || {{x|sviu}} || to think  
| {{x|viu}} || {{x|sviu}} || to think  
|-  
|-  
| viau || {{x|gviaw}} || itchy  
| viau || {{x|gviaw}} || itchy. see {{x|gviaugviaw}} (sensation of tickling; ticklish)
|-  
|-  
| voa || {{x|voa}} || to exchange  
| voa || {{x|voa}} || to exchange  
|-  
|-  
| voai || {{x|kvoaimngg}} || to close a door
| voai || {{x|svoai}} || mango
|}
|}


=== Tones ===
=== Tones ===


Taiwanese is a tonal language which means that pitch is used to convey meaning. Many words are differentiated solely by tone. Learning to speak and hear the [[tones of Taiwanese]] correctly is often difficult for an English speaker. With practice you will be able to hear and speak them. Again most speakers of Taiwanese are not aware of the different tones but they can all understand you when you pronounce them correctly.
Taiwanese is a tonal language which means that pitch is used to convey meaning. Many words are differentiated solely by tone (e.g., all seven tones of ''{{x|si}}''). Learning to speak and hear the [[tones of Taiwanese]] correctly is often difficult for beginners. With practice you will be able to hear and speak them. Again most speakers of Taiwanese are not aware of the different tones but they can all understand you when you pronounce them correctly.
 
Taiwanese has seven tones: five long tones and two short tones. Here are the tones in their classic order:


[[File:Seven Tones.mp3|thumb|none|1. ''{{x|af}}'', 2. ''{{x|ar}}'', 3. ''ax'', 4. ''{{x|aq}}'', 5. ''aa'', 7. ''a'', 8. ''{{x|ah}}'']]
As you may have noticed from the ''Seven Tones'' chart, there are five long tones and two short tones:
* ''f'', ''x'' and ''r'' are silent tone indicators for long tones
* short tones always end with a stop letter that tells both consonant and pitch


The letters ''f'', ''r'' and ''x'' are silent tone indicators for long tones. Short tones always end with a stop (the ending letter tells both consonant and tone).
[[File:af,_a,_ax,_ar,_aa,_ah,_aq.mp3|thumb|none|{{x|af}}, a, ax, {{x|ar}}, aa, {{x|ah}}, {{x|aq}}]]


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! # !! Tones !! Description !! MTL !! Example
! # !! Tones !! Description !! MTL !! Example !! Animal
|-  
|-  
| 1 || high || level (55 or 44) || [[f]] (silent) || {{x|khaf}} (''leg''; ''foot'')
| 1 || high || level (55 or 44) || [[f]] (silent) || {{x|khaf}} (''leg''; ''foot'') || {{x|say}} (''lion'')
|-  
|-  
| 2 || shouting || sharply downward (51) || [[r]] (silent)|| {{x|ar}} (仔)
| 7 || basic || mid-level (33) || default || {{x|toa}} (''big'') || {{x|chviu}} (''elephant'')
|-  
|-  
| 3 || low falling || somewhat downward (31) || [[x]] (silent)|| {{x|pax}} (''leopard'')
| 3 || low falling || somewhat downward (31) || [[x]] (silent) || {{x|khax}} (''to knock'') || {{x|pax}} (''leopard'')
|-  
|-  
| 4 || short low || (3ʔ) || ends with ''q'', ''b'', ''d'' or ''g'' || {{x|aq}} (''a duck'')
| 2 || shouting || sharply downward (51) || [[r]] (silent)|| {{x|ar}} ({{wt|仔}}) || {{x|hor}} (''tiger'')
|-  
|-  
| 5 || curving || mid, downward, then upward (24) || doubling of vowel || {{x|gaau}} (''extraordinary'')  
| 5 || curving || mid, downward, up (214) || doubling of vowel || {{x|gaau}} (''extraordinary'') || {{x|hiim}} (''bear'')
|-  
|-  
| 7 || basic || mid-level (33) || default || {{x|toa}}
| 8 || short high || (5ʔ) || ends with ''h'', ''p'', ''t'' or ''k''  || {{x|ah}} (''a box'') || {{x|lok}} (''deer'')
|-  
|-  
| 8 || short high || (5ʔ) || ends with ''h'', ''p'', ''t'' or ''k'' || {{x|ah}} (''a box'')
| 4 || short low || (3ʔ) || ends with ''q'', ''b'', ''d'' or ''g'' || {{x|aq}} (''a duck'') || {{x|piq}} (''snapping turtle'')
|}   
|}   
[[File:say, chviu, pax, hor, hiim, lok, piq.mp3|thumb|none|say, chviu, pax, hor, hiim, lok, piq]]
==== Short tones ====
Let's look at the [[short tones]] first:
{| class="wikitable"
! Pitch !! -h  !! -p !! -t !! -k
|-
| 8. high || {{x|ciah}} (''to eat'') || {{x|zap}} (''ten'') || {{x|lat}} (''strength'') || {{x|hak}} (''study'')
|-
| 4. low || {{x|phaq}} (''to hit'') || {{x|ciab}} (''juice'') || {{x|pad}} (''eight'') || {{x|kag}} (''horn'')
|}


Here are the tones in a different order. Can you tell the difference?
* high short tones end with ''h'' ({{w|glottal stop}}), ''p'', ''t'' and ''k'', which are stops sounding similar to how they're used as an initial consonant
[[File:Tones1235784.mp3|thumb|none|''af'', ''ar'', ''ax'', ''aa'', ''a'', ''ah'', ''aq'']]
* low short tones end with ''q'', ''b'', ''d'', and ''g'', which are the same stops as above, but signal the vowel is low pitch
* ''{{x|iet}}'' and ''{{x|ek}}'', the short tones of ''ien'' and ''eng'', may sound more like ''et'' and ''iek''


==== Long tones ====
==== Long tones ====
Here are some common examples of the [[long tone]]s:
Here are some common examples of the [[long tone]]s:


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
! Tone !! Example !! Meaning  
! Tone !! Example !! Meaning  
|-  
|-  
| 1. high || {{x|hiaf}} || there
| 1. high || {{x|ciaf}} || here
|-  
|-  
| 2. shouting || {{x|zar}} || early
| 7. basic || {{x|si}} || is
|-
| 3. low-falling || {{x|zhaix}} || vegetable
|-
| 5. curving || {{x|hii}} || fish
|-  
|-  
| 7. basic || {{x|si}} || is
| 3. low-falling || {{x|khix}} || to go
|}
 
The tone indicators always come to the right of the vowel, with one exception. To indicate the curving tone of a compound vowel, normally its last letter is repeated. But when there is an ''a'', it is the one repeated, even when it doesn't sit at the very end of the vowel. For example: ''{{x|gaau}}'', ''{{x|jidthaau}}'', ''{{x|na'aau}}''.
 
==== Short tones ====
Here are some examples of the [[short tone]]s:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Pitch !! -h  !! -p !! -t !! -k
|-  
|-  
| 8. high || {{x|ciah}} (''to eat'') || {{x|ap}} (''a box'') || {{x|lat}} (''strength'') || {{x|bak}} (''ink'')
| 2. shouting || {{x|goar}} || I; me
|-  
|-  
| 4. low || {{x|phaq}} (''to hit'') || {{x|ciab}} (''juice'') || {{x|kad}} (''knot'') || {{x|kag}} (''horn'')
| 5. curving || {{x|ee}} || possessive particle
|}
|}


The ending letter tells both consonant and pitch. The high short tones end with ''h'' ({{w|glottal stop}}), ''p'', ''t'' and ''k'', which are stops sounding similar to how they're used as an initial consonant. The low short tones end with ''q'', ''b'', ''d'', and ''g'', which are the same stops, respectively.
The tone indicators always come to the right of the vowel, with one exception. To indicate the curving tone of a compound vowel, double the ''a'' if present, or else the last vowel letter. For example: ''{{x|cviaa}}'', ''{{x|laai}}'', ''{{x|ngg}}''.
 
=== Review all the tones ===
[[:File:Taiwanese7Tones.pdf|Here is a chart]] of the Taiwanese syllable endings in all of the tones. See how much you can now read. After you know this chart, any syllable you see will just boil down to a final either with or without a consonant in front.
 
Another term for the syllable ending is the "final", which is what happens when you put a vowel and tone together. For more detailed information, see [[table of all finals in MTL]].
 
You may have noticed some finals that are spelled a little differently from what we taught so far. Let's look at those next.
 
=== Special vowels ===
For certain vowels in certain tones, there are a few substitutions/shortcuts:
* [[Sioxngtut-ym|shouting-tone]]: ''ae'', ''ie'', ''uo'', ''ea'', ''ao'', when they end the syllable
* high-tone: ''{{x|y}}, w'', (and ''{{x|ym}}'', ''{{x|yn}}'', ''{{x|wn}}'')
* curving-tone: ''øø'' -> ''{{x|øo}}'' (and ''iøø'' -> ''{{x|iøo}}'')


[[File:ae_ie_uo_ea_ao.mp3|thumb|none|ae, ie, uo, ea, ao]]
===== Special vowels =====
[[File:y w ym yn wn.mp3|thumb|none|y, w, ym, yn, wn]]
For certain vowels in certain tones, some ornamental substitutions/shortcuts are used. Refer to the [[Media:Seven Tones of Taiwanese.pdf|''Seven Tones'']] chart.
* '''{{x|y}}''',  '''{{x|w}}''': [[high tone]] of '''i''' and '''u'''
* '''{{x|ie}}''', '''{{x|uo}}''', '''{{x|ea}}''': [[shouting tone]] of '''i''', '''u''', '''e'''
* '''{{x|ae}}''', '''{{x|ao}}''': shortcuts for "a + ie" and "a + uo"
* '''{{x|øo}}''': shortcut for "øø"
* None of these apply with NFCs except: '''{{x|ym}}''', '''{{x|yn}}''', '''{{x|wn}}'''


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
! Vowel<sup>#</sup> !! Before !! After  !! Example || Meaning
! Syll. Tail !! Shortcut !! Example || Meaning
|-  
|-  
| ai<sup>2</sup>  || air || ae  || {{x|hae}} || sea
| if, ifm, ifn || {{x|y}}, {{x|ym}}, {{x|yn}} || {{x|ty}}, {{x|kym}}, {{x|cyn}} || pig, gold, very
|-  
|-  
| i<sup>2</sup>  || [[ie|ir]] || {{x|ie}} || {{x|lie}} || you
| uf, ufn || {{x|w}}, {{x|wn}} || {{x|titw}}, {{x|zhwn}} || spider, springtime
|-  
|-  
| u<sup>2</sup>  || ur || {{x|uo}}  || {{x|kuo}} || (''of time'') long
| ir || {{x|ie}}  || {{x|lie}} || you; ...
|-  
|-  
| e<sup>2</sup>  || er || {{x|ea}}  || {{x|bea}} || horse
| ur || {{x|uo}}  || {{x|kuo}} || (''of time'') long
|-  
|-  
| au<sup>2</sup>  || aur || {{x|ao}}  || {{x|kao}} || dog
| er || {{x|ea}}  || {{x|boea}} || tail
|-  
|-  
| i<sup>1</sup>  || if || {{x|y}}  || {{x|y}}, {{x|yn}}, {{x|kym}} || he / she / it, they, gold
| air || {{x|ae}}  || {{x|hae}} || sea
|-  
|-  
| u<sup>1</sup>  || uf || w || {{x|titw}}, {{x|zhwn}} || spider, spring season
| aur || {{x|ao}} || {{x|kao}} || dog. nine
|-  
|-  
| ø<sup>5</sup>  || øø || {{x|øo}} || {{x|kiøo}} || bridge
| øø || {{x|øo}} || {{x|kiøo}} || bridge; eggplant
|}
|}
[[File:hae_lie_kuo_bea_kao.mp3|thumb|none|hae, lie, kuo, bea, kao]]
 
[[File:y yn kym titw zhwn.mp3|thumb|none|y, yn, kym, titw, zhwn]]
=== Syllable structure ===
All five shouting substitutions happen only when they end the syllable, so you still have ''{{x|irm}}'', ''{{x|irn}}'', and ''{{x|urn}}'', not ''iem'', etc.
A syllable in Taiwanese is either:
* [initial] + '''vowel''' + [nasal final consonant]
* [initial] + [v] + '''vowel'''
Anything in square brackets is optional. This means:
* a vowel is always required
* ''v'', ''-m'', ''-n'', and ''-ng'' are mutually exclusive
 
Also, we almost never find more than one nasal:
* e.g. ''{{x|man}}'' and ''{{x|mang}}'' don't exist (but ''{{x|ban}}'' and ''{{x|bang}}'' do exist)
* the only exceptions are the various tones of ''{{x|mng}}'' and ''{{x|nng}}''


== Tone sandhi ==
== Tone sandhi ==
[[File:Tone Circles.png|right|frame|The seven tones, and how they change due to tone sandhi.]]
[[File:Tone Circles.png|right|frame|The seven tones, and how they change due to tone sandhi.]]


The basic unit of speech is the syllable, which can change tone depending on its environment. This is referred to as [[tone sandhi]], which is extensive in Taiwanese.
The basic unit of speech is the syllable, which can change tone depending on its environment. This process is generally called [[tone sandhi]] ("sandhi" is from the Sanskrit word for "joining") and in Taiwanese the rules for it are extensive.


Generally, a syllable inside of a word changes tone according to the Tone Circles. For example, the single-syllable word for "duck" (bird): ''{{x|aq}}''. Its original tone is low-short. After adding the suffix ''{{x|ar}}'', the tone becomes high-short: ''{{x|ah'ar}}''.  
Generally, a syllable inside of a word changes tone according to the Tone Circles. For example, the single-syllable word for "duck" (bird): ''{{x|aq}}''. Its original tone is low-short. After adding the suffix ''{{x|ar}}'', the tone becomes high-short: ''{{x|ah'ar}}''.  
Line 273: Line 278:
=== Apostrophe (') ===
=== Apostrophe (') ===


When two syllables are put together, an [[apostrophe]] may be used to indicate a syllable boundary if there's any ambiguity. The rule in MTL is that letters
When two syllables are put together, sometimes one letter might appear to be connected to the right syllable when it shouldn't be. The apostrophe is used to remove the ambiguity. For example:
are grouped into a syllable starting from the right. Here's one case where a consonant could be part of the first or second syllable.


''{{x|Okix}}'', meaning "black mole", comes from ''{{x|of}}'' (烏; "black") plus ''{{x|kix}}'' (痣; "mole"). We simply take the [[sandhi]]-modified first syllable (''of'' -> ''o'') and follow it by the second syllable, to get ''okix''. Reading this word, we know the longest syllable starting from the right is ''kix''.
* {{x|of}} (烏; "black") + {{x|kix}} (痣; "mole") = o'kix = {{x|okix}}
* {{x|og}} (惡; "evil") + {{x|ix}} (意; "intention") = {{x|ok'ix}}


But, there are two other syllables we could combine to get the same result. If we combine ''{{x|og}}'' (惡; "evil") and ''{{x|ix}}'' (意; "intention") without using an apostrophe, we would also get ''okix''. Clearly, we don't want this. It looks like the ''k'' belongs with the second vowel ''i'' instead of ''o''.
In MTL, we group the letters starting from the right into the longest syllable. So reading ''okix'', the second syllable is ''kix''. Then the first syllable is ''o''. There's no need to write ''o'kix''.


That's where the apostrophe comes in to save the day. By writing ''{{x|ok'ix}}'' ''with'' an apostrophe, we keep "evil intention", or "malice", distinct from the harmless ''okix''.
If you drop the apostrophe from ''ok'ix'', it would be ''okix'', so the apostrophe needs to stay.


=== Hyphen (-) ===
=== Hyphen (-) ===


A [[hyphen]] is used to join two, or more isolated words to  
A hyphen is used to join two, or more isolated words to  
make a new compound word with its own meaning. When reading a hyphenated word, the syllable just before the hyphen should change tone. For example: {{XL|Taioaan}} + laang = [[Taioaan-laang]] (Taiwanese person)
make a new compound word with its own meaning. When reading a hyphenated word, the syllable just before the hyphen should change tone. For example: {{XL|Taioaan}} + laang = {{XL|Taioaan-laang}} (Taiwanese person)
[[File:Taioaan-laang.mp3]]
[[File:Taioaan, Taioaan-laang.mp3]]
The last syllable of ''Taioaan'' changes from ''{{x|oaan}}'' to ''oan''. The whole word sounds like ''Taioanlaang''.
The last syllable of ''Taioaan'' changes tone when spoken, so the compound word sounds like ''Taioanlaang''.


=== Backquote (`) ===
=== Backquote (`) ===
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Example:
Example:


* [[File:Kviaf`sie.mp3]] [[kviaf`sie]] ((v.) ''to freak someone out'') - ''kviaf'' keeps its high tone but ''sie'' is pronounced with a weakened low tone.  
* [[File:Kviaf`sie.mp3]] {{x|kviaf`sie}} ((v.) ''to freak someone out'') - ''kviaf'' keeps its high tone but ''sie'' is pronounced with a weakened low tone.  


* [[File:Kviasie.mp3]] [[kviasie]] ((adj.) ''scared of death'') – ''kviaf'' is pronounced with normal tone change from high to basic while ''sie'' is pronounced as a shouting tone. ''{{w|Kiasi}}'' is Hokkien phrase that describes the attitude of being overly afraid or timid.
* [[File:Kviasie.mp3]] {{x|kviasie}} ((adj.) ''scared of death'') – ''kviaf'' is pronounced with normal tone change from high to basic while ''sie'' is pronounced as a shouting tone. ''{{w|Kiasi}}'' is Hokkien phrase that describes the attitude of being overly afraid or timid.


== Further study ==
== Next steps ==
* [[:Category:PTC1|Practical Taiwanese Conversation Level 1]]
* [[Greeting Phrases in Taiwanese]]
* [[Taiwanese-English dictionaries]]
* [[Practical Taiwanese Conversation]]
* [[Frequently-used Taiwanese monosyllables]]
* [[Introduction to Taiwanese Vocabulary]]


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://learntaiwanese.org/Beginner's%20Guide%20to%20Taiwanese.html HTML version]
* [https://learntaiwanese.org/Beginner's%20Guide%20to%20Taiwanese.html ''A Beginner's Guide to Taiwanese''], version 1.0: 2017
* [https://wdcts.org/ WDCTS] - MLT Introduction, Useful Handout, Videos & References. (in Chinese)
* Modern Literal Taiwanese Foundation (MLTF). [https://learntaiwanese.org/english/mtl.html Modern Literal Taiwanese (MLT) Handbook]
* {{Textbook_1990}}


[[Category:Getting started]]
[[Category:Getting started]]
LearnTaiwanese
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