The Wu dialects as a problem in classification

This dissertation is a study of the modern Wu dialects as a problem in classification. Wu dialects are treated as a whole group, and subgrouping of Wu dialects is not within the consideration. The methodology used in this dissertation is that of comparative linguistics. Because the focus of this research is genetic classification, theory of historical linguistics is also adopted. The materials and data are collected from various sources including those published in China, Taiwan and abroad as well as those submitted via personal communications.;Chapter One introduces the reasons for classification, defines the goal of the research. Nature and number of features are discussed in order to propose a few important features with other subsidiary ones.;Chapter Two deals with necessary features of Wu dialects. It is argued that the three-way distinction among stops, which Y. R. Chao proposed nearly six decades ago for Wu dialects as both necessary and sufficient feature, is merely a necessary feature. It demonstrates that a dialect that has a necessary feature is not necessarily a Wu dialect and that necessary features are powerful when excluding dialects out of the Wu family, but very weak in including dialects in. The vocalism in dialects is studied to illustrate different patterns.;Chapter Three discusses sufficient features as well as those that are indeterminate in classification. This chapter shows that sufficient features are decisive in including dialects into the Wu family, but powerless in excluding dialects. Values of features are discussed to establish the hierarchy of importance of features. It also discussed the interrelationship between the highly valued features and subsidiary ones.;Chapter Four contains case studies. Various dialects, including a typical Wu dialect, a non-Wu dialect with some necessary features, a Wu dialect lacking some Wu sufficient features as well as a transitional case, are being tested by the criteria for classifying Wu dialects.;Chapter Five is the conclusion. It is demonstrated that Shiang dialects are clearly separated from the Wu group and the majority of Wu dialects are preserved except a few Wu dialects. It also contains suggestions for further studies.