The discrimination of z-zh, c-ch and s-sh by proficient speakers of Chinese as second language

Using AXB discrimination paradigm, this study investigated the perceptive discrimination of z-zh /ts/-/tş/, c-ch /ts^h/-/tş^h/ and s-sh /s/-/ş/ by proficient speakers of Chinese as second language and the effects of vocalic context and speaker variability on it. With regard to standard Mandarin articulation, proficient speakers were able to discriminate these apical consonants in different vocalic contexts, which suggested that they have formed stable categories regardless of vocalic contexts. The effects of speaker variability on the perceptive discrimination of z-zh /ts/-/tş/, c-ch /tş^h/-/ts^h/ and s-s /s/-/ş/ of proficient speakers were significant. They showed higher level of perception of standard Mandarin than not-so-standard Mandarin. They were less able to cope with speaker variability than native speakers. So in the teaching of Chinese as a second language, the learners should be trained to improve their ability to process speaker variability.