The Diachronic Strata Analysis of Min Phonology

Min is the Chinese dialect which is full of rich strata. In this study, The author applies the methods of internal analysis; cross-dialectal comparison; and a survey of phonologic systems to differentiate the diachronic strata of Min. Furthermore, the author also clarifies the correlation between the diachronic strata and sound changes. Based on the distinguishing phonologic characteristics of every stratum and the reference to the relevant historical phonologic study, the probability of when every stratum was formed is discussed, as well as where every stratum probably originated.
Chapter one is an introduction to this study. Chapter two introduces the geographical distribution of Min and the phonologic characteristics of southern Min, eastern Min and northern Min. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the actual history of Min combining multiple sources. Chapters three and four carry out the diachronic strata analysis of Min finals, initials and tones. The main conclusions are: (1) There are four strata of Min finals: the Tang-Song literary stratum; the Southern-dynasties jiang-tong stratum; the Jin northern stratum; and the archaic stratum. (2) There are four strata of Min initials as well: the Tang-Song literary stratum; the jiang-tong stratum; the northern stratum; and the one resulting from substratum interference. The northern stratum of Min initials could be traced back a time earlier than Jin. (3) It is very critical to differentiate the interference through shifting from the Min-Yue language to the archaic Chinese which spread to Min with the immigrants in Qin-Han. In chapter five clarifications are made of the correlation between language contact, the diachronic strata and sound changes or variation. In addition to the contact-induced sound changes and variation, the argument is made that the strata competition with a longer time period would result in systematic sound changes and structural integration. Finally, chapter six concludes this study and suggests prospective areas of further study.