Abstract: Done is an essential component for word formation in Chinese languages. It plays a very important role in the transmission of information in speech communication. We looked at using support vector machines (SVMs) for automatic tone recognition in continuously spoken Mandarin. The voiced segments were detected based on Meager Energy Operation and ZCR. Compared with BP neural network, considerable improvement was achieved by adopting 6 binary-SVMs scheme in a speaker-independent Mandarin tone recognition system.

Key words: Tone recognition, Fundamental frequency, Support vector machine