How do Chinese judge the right sound quality (softness, awkwardness, respectfulness (面子), negativity)?

Question

In a number of questions asked here on CLSE, I have noticed answers that include responses about how something just doesn't "sound right" in Chinese. Here is an example from a recent answer posted: > Strictly, they are not all the same. The second one sounds some more > poetic in Chinese. But in daily life, you will say the first one to > express the meaning,"he lies on the grass quietly", **the second one > may make you seems sort of strange**. I understand from an English perspective how subjective the structure of sentence can lead to an awkward sounding phrase. Also as a student, I am observing a number of grammatical rules (which when broken, would be an obvious indication of awkward sounding grammatical structures). But, beyond an obvious break with grammatical rules, what are some ways that I can determine if a grammar structure (sentence, question, or phrase) sounds awkward? I realise that one answer is to have this sense develop over time and with practice, however I am looking for a perspective from native speakers who might be able to give guidance on what makes a Chinese sentence, question, or phrase sound awkward. Examples would be great. I want to reiterate that I have many grammar books and websites that discuss proper Chinese grammar and I am reviewing the information provided but these sources lack a cultural perspective, which I believe is most important in this case.

Answer 1

What I think of is the "h" in Chinese (Mandarin dialect). You can say it softly to infer kindness, gentle, or understanding. If you use your larynx more, then you are expressing a negative connotation. It all depends on the speaker and their intonation. Note what character(s) they are emphasizing (saying loudly or longer in the sentence).

面子 has cultural significance in China. If you are rude to someone or treat them badly you will 丢面 "lose face" (lose connections with, never see again etc.). It also means "the surface/face of something".

Answer 2

I lived in Taiwan for 2 years and I agree with your conclusion; the best way to know whether or not a grammatically correct sentence sounds awkward to a native speaker is simply exposure to the language (i.e. immersion and communicating directly with native speakers). Aside from that, your best bet is to follow the Chinese STPVO grammar structure. There are very few exceptions to Chinese grammar and often a multitude of ways to say the same thing.