TITLE:
On the Phonology Characteristics of Leizhou Dialect in Malaysia
AUTHORS:
Limao Chen
KEYWORDS:
Malaysia, Leizhou Dialect, Min Dialect, Phonology, Leizhou Peninsula
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.13 No.9,
September
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: Based on first-hand materials obtained from field investigations in
Malaysia, the results show that: firstly, there are 17 initials in the Leizhou
dialect of Malaysia, including the implosives initial and the [f] initial. The
pronunciation of Leizhou dialect in China is already rare, some of which are
retained in the Leizhou dialect of Malaysia. Its initial consonant is borrowed
from local Hua Yu or other Chinese dialects. Secondly, the Leizhou dialect of
Malaysia has 46 finals. The pronunciation and timbre of some of its vowels are
similar to the Yue dialect of Malaysia [ɐ] main vowel. Thirdly,
there are 8 monosyllabic tones in the Leizhou dialect of Malaysia. The
pronunciation and tone of some of its characters are similar to the Xia Yin entering
tone of Yue dialect of Malaysia.