A Study of Variations in Address Forms in the Tinghu Dialect of Yancheng City

Abstract

This study explores the variations in address forms within the Tinghu dialect of Yancheng city. The findings reveal that the ways individuals address one another in this region deviate from the established principles of tone sandhi theory. In Chinese phonology, it is generally assumed that individual characters serve as fundamental forms based on their standard pronunciations, with real-time pronunciations adapting to phonetic conditions. However, the study of address forms has not traditionally been integrated into this framework. Observations indicate that a wide range of addressing methods is employed in social interactions, reflecting the complexity of regional cultural traits and social dynamics. This research highlights the distinctive features of address forms in the Tinghu dialect, particularly in terms of tone sandhi, vocative expressions, and indirect address. By examining these unique characteristics, the study enhances our understanding of the principles governing tonal changes in Chinese. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the preservation and inheritance of regional dialects.