This paper proposes a model of differential tonal perception in which perception of tonal movement in spoken language i s influenced by syllable structure. In the proposed model, tonal movement at syllable onset is perceptually coded differently from movement in the syllable nucleus or in the coda. An F0 contour through the syllable onset or at the beginning of the nucleus is coded as a level tone while a contour through the nucleus or at the beginning of the coda is coded as a contour tone.