The Phonology of Yunnanese Dialect at Mae Salong Nok Sub-District, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study and analyze the sound system of the Yunnanese dialect spoken among the Yunnan Chinese at Mae Salong Nok subdistrict of Mae Fah Luang district in Chiang Rai. The data in this study were collected from the interviews of three informants whose ages were over sixty years. Subsequently, the data were analyzed for the different consonant phonemes, vowel phonemes, and auditory phonetic methods. The finding showed that the Yunnanese dialect at Mae Salong Nok subdistrict of Mae Fah Luang district in Chiang Rai consisted of 20 consonant phonemes, 27 vowel phonemes, and 4 pitch phonemes excluding the unstressed sounds. Therefore, the writer focus on studying the phonology as a priority. In addition, it can be beneficial for the detailed study of the morphology, syntax, and other related fields of the Yunnanese dialect. Moreover, it will facilitate the study of other topics such as folklore, history, local culture, Chinese dialects, and Chinese language development.