Chunan Weiping Dialect Phonetic Research

Hui Dialects have drawn more and more attention in linguistic studies nowadays. Though Hui Dialects do not cover a scale as wide as the other groups, there are great internal differences and the phonetic features are also difficult to comb.The thesis is mainly to discuss Weiping Dialect, one pretty small group in Hui Dialects. Attempts have been made to record the native speaking and sort out the phonetic system. By analyzing the initials, finals and tones respectively in both historical and synchronic perspectives, it’s helpful to better understand the phonetic features of Hui Dialects.The thesis is composed of five parts. Chapter One has an introduction to the background information about Weiping and a general overview about the previous studies on Hui Dialects, in which includes a systematical summary of those studies that have already been done; Chapter Two lists the phonetic system based on a series of analysis; Chapter Three discusses the comparative historical phonology; Chapter Four is a synchronic analysis through which the nature of Weiping Dialect is defined. In this case the question to which Hui group Weiping Dialect belongs can be solved. These three chapters are all developed in three big aspects namely initials, finals and tones. The last chapter is a brief conclusion.Concerned about where it is located and its own phonetic distinction, Weiping Dialect has its potential to look into. Research upon it can certainly provide some new perspective when we study further into Hui Dialects.