Jiangsu Dialect Phonological Case Studies

From the views of both historical evolvement and areal communication, this thesis is in fact a case study of chronological appearance and contact manner reflected by the difference among the phonological structure of various dialects in the area of Jiangsu Province within the same time period. Based on the language material ever collected, thirty three phonological databases of dialect representatives have been set up and thereby represented in the form of DBF. Based on this files and linguistic geography, the analysis and the historical comparison of transverse distribution are made and the primary explanation is given, with all other dialects and the rhyme books , a historical frame of reference, involved. The thesis attempts to validate pioneer linguistic theories proposed by scholars and tries to offer a relatively new angel for the study of Jiangsu dialects. The thesis involves the following parts:The first chapter, introduction, introduces the background of the topic, the theoretical value and practical significance. It, then, gives a brief review of the relevant study in and abroad and figure out the problems that need to be tackled. The method of study and the materials used in this study are also introduced.Chapter Two introduces the administrational geography through history and chronological evolvement of dialects. It, then, analyzes the actual state of three predominant dialects in the Jisangsu area and represents in form of maps the geographical distribution of thirty three representatives.Chapters Three and Four, the main body, analyzes two selected significant phonological items within the area in detail. Chapter Three compares the Guo,Jia,Yu,Liu,Xie She(果假遇 流蟹摄) in terms of phonology and then, clarifies the cause of phenomenon of vowel rising within north Wu dialect according to the theories of "default articulatory gestures" and "mis-timing".Chapter Four again makes comparison in the phonological difference of Zhi,Zhuang,Zhang,Jing groups(知庄章精组), and classifies them into three types which belong to different phases of phonological development. It then gives a primary explanation of the physiological system of the forward movement of the initials.Chapter Five discusses two major concerns about the relationship among three main dialects and poses the main concern for the future study.