First tone: ¯ Pretend you’re at the dentist. Open up and say “maaa.”

Second tone ′ Think of this as a question. “Ma? Is that you?”
Kind of counter-intuitive, huh? This is a rising tone.

Third tone ˇ Put on your super whiny voice, like you’re 7 years old and your mom tells you that your buddy can’t come over to spend the night. You’re about to pout: “oh, c’mon, MAaaAA.” Slightly different, though, because you’ve got to start high, about ¾ of where you are with the first “dentist” tone, drop down low, then take it up to full first tone and cut yourself off when you reach it. “MAaaaAA.” Requires a bit of practice, this one.

Fourth tone ` Your dog is about heed the call of nature on your carpet, but you’ve spotted him in the nick of time, and you aren’t pleased. Your dog’s name is “Ma.” Call him out with me now: “Ma! No! Outside!” This tone is commonly known as the falling tone. (С)

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