The Segmental Changes on Dongshi Hakka:On Assimilation and Contraction

• Main Authors: Pei-chih Wei, 魏珮芝
• Other Authors: Hui-shan Lin
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/12499207985426883809

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 英語學系 === 95 === This thesis investigates two phonological phenomena, assimilation and contraction, in Dongshi Hakka by applying Optimality Theory. In assimilation, a vowel suffix can get an onset from its preceding syllable. However, such assimilation occurs only in affixation. In compounding, assimilation does not occur because it is prevented by the zero onset of the second syllable. In addition to assimilation, I also discuss nasal spreading. In D-Hakka, a vowel can be nasalized by its neighboring consonants. Moreover, nasal spreading in D-Hakka is bi-directional and it can spread as far as it can until it is blocked by obstruents and liquids. As for contraction, contraction refers to two syllables merging into one. In this thesis, I focus on trisyllabic contraction. There is a tendency for three syllables to contract becoming disyllabic. Therefore, according to our observation, in trisyllabic contraction, the third syllable is the most stable which tends to be preserved. However, the medial syllable is the most volatile. Within trisyllabic contraction, I note that trisyllabic contraction applies if the first two syllables have the same rime. In addition, the onset of the second syllable plays a crucial role in determining whether trisyllabic contraction occurs. For example, onsets of medial syllables belonging to [-consonantal] undergo trisyllabic contraction, yet tend to be eliminated if they belong to [+obstruent], but are preserved if they are liquids or nasal stops.