Tonal system in Nghi Ân dialect (Vinh - Nghệ An)

Abstract

This study experimentally analyzes the tonal system of the Nghi Ân dialect (Vinh – Nghệ An), based on the pronunciation of 10 participants (4 males, 6 females). The results show that this system consists of four tones in open syllables and sonorant-ending syllables, and two tones in checked syllables. These tones are distinguished by phonetic properties of pitch, voice quality, and vowel quality. Compared to the fullest tonal system of Vietnamese, this 4-plus-2 tone tonal system exhibits mergers between sắc-hỏi and nặng-ngã pairs, making it both similar to and distinct from other dialects in the “Nghi Lộc linguistic area.” Based on these findings, we propose discussions and interpretations regarding tonogenesis as well as the development of Vietnamese dialects and regional varieties.