Page:A Pocket Guide to China (1943).pdf/55

This page has been validated.

language. You should try to memorize the words and phrases exactly as you hear them. However, if you speak the syllables that are written in capital letters, in a loud tone of voice with higher pitch, and say the words and syllables written in small letters in the lowest pitch of your natural speaking voice you will be understood. Words written in capital letters with an exclamation mark after them should be given in the same tone of voice as a command like "Halt!", "Stop!". Also make your voice slide between the syllables that have the little curved lines under them.

2. Vowels.—These are the kinds of sounds we repre­ sent in English by a, e, i, o, u, ah, ay, etc. Just follow the key below and you will have no trouble.

ah, AH equals The a in father. (Example: AHR!, meaning "two".)
ai, AI equals The ai in aisle, but not so drawled. (Example: TAI! tai, meaning "madam".)
aw, AW equals The aw in law. (Example: hoo WAW, meaning "fire"—in the phrase "railroad station".)
ay, AY equals The ay in day. (Example: GWAY!, meaning "honorable"—in the phrase "what is your name?".)
ee, EE equals The ee in feet. (Example: EE, meaning "one".)
51