A Phonological Study On The Minnan Dialect Island In Xiapu County Of East Fujian

There are various South Min dialect islands distributed in the eastern region of Fujian Province. Based on field survey, this dissertation which chooses the Minnan dialect island in Xiapu County, Ningde City of East Fujian as a research object shows the current distribution and latest phonetic appearance of Minnan dialect islands in its area.Firstly, the thesis describes the phonetic systems of three investigation sites. Secondly, it summarizes the phonological features of two Minnan dialect islands of Xiapu County and makes a comparison between them. Lastly, it does a comparative research between Minnan dialect in Xiapu and Southern Min dialect in South Fujian.Generally, Minnan dialect in Xiapu still has obvious characteristics of Minnan dialect and is similar to Quanzhou dialect. However, as a result of long-term influence by Eastern Min dialect, it generates some new traits, such as the emerging pursed-mouth vowels and the reduced nasal endings.