FOUR TONE PLAYGROUND
Mandarin is a tonal language, its complexity often posing a challenge for first-time learners in retention and recall. How can we make the learning process more intuitive?
This installation series explores the principle of embodied cognition, translating the four tones into sculptural forms that echo their distinct contours and intended movements, fostering a deeper, more instinctive connection between sound and form.
Mandarin is a tonal language, its complexity often posing a challenge for first-time learners in retention and recall. How can we make the learning process more intuitive?
This installation series explores the principle of embodied cognition, translating the four tones into sculptural forms that echo their distinct contours and intended movements, fostering a deeper, more instinctive connection between sound and form.
THE UNIVERSALITY OF “MA”
"Ma" is the first word uttered by newborns, regardless of nationality or race—a primal sound that transcends borders, rooted in the earliest human experience of connection and comfort.
In this project, “ma” becomes a bridge across language barriers, evoking familiarity in the face of the unfamiliar, and easing the journey into a new linguistic world.
"Ma" is the first word uttered by newborns, regardless of nationality or race—a primal sound that transcends borders, rooted in the earliest human experience of connection and comfort.
In this project, “ma” becomes a bridge across language barriers, evoking familiarity in the face of the unfamiliar, and easing the journey into a new linguistic world.
1st Tone: Mā
High and level, like when you say "ah" in surprise.
The sculpture captures the feeling of surprise, starting out as a soft, flat jelly bean before rising upward, as if suddenly lifted by an invisible force.
High and level, like when you say "ah" in surprise.
The sculpture captures the feeling of surprise, starting out as a soft, flat jelly bean before rising upward, as if suddenly lifted by an invisible force.
2nd Tone: Má
Rising, like when you ask a question, "á?"
Climbing a staircase, steadily rising with the intent to reach the top—that’s what the second tone feels like.
Rising, like when you ask a question, "á?"
Climbing a staircase, steadily rising with the intent to reach the top—that’s what the second tone feels like.
3rd Tone: Mǎ
Dipping, starts mid, goes down, then up, like "ǎh?"
The third tone takes shape as a rollercoaster, while also embodying a moment of calm, like a gentle pause for rest before the next movement forward.
Dipping, starts mid, goes down, then up, like "ǎh?"
The third tone takes shape as a rollercoaster, while also embodying a moment of calm, like a gentle pause for rest before the next movement forward.
4th Tone: Mà
Falling, sharp and forceful, like a command, "à!"
The fourth sculpture embodies the tone’s sharpness and speed—falling swiftly, like the pull of gravity or the sudden drop of a slide.
Falling, sharp and forceful, like a command, "à!"
The fourth sculpture embodies the tone’s sharpness and speed—falling swiftly, like the pull of gravity or the sudden drop of a slide.
