Differences Of Shandong Wulian Voice Words Of Old And New School

Wulian dialect in Shandong province is one of the Chinese variants affected by both Jiaoliao Mandarin and Jilu Mandarin in the transitional area. Some new phonetic features are distinguishing from the traditional phonetic features of Wulian dialect due to the influence of Putonghua(Standard Mandarin) in recent years. This study describes the phonetic system of Wulian dialect by making use of dialectology methods firstly. Furthermore, this study analyzes the phonetic variation related to differences in age, gender, education and out-living experience by investigating the representative phonetic variables in Wulian dialect with questionnaire method.The study reveals that the most distinctive phonetic features of Wulian dialect are initials(consonant), followed by the finals(vowels) while tones are the least distinctive features. Although the phonetic variables are in the closing tendency to Putonghua, there are obvious differences between phonetic or social groups. Among the phonetic variables, the finals in the first grade of Guo(果) Group or the sharp initials (Jianyin) show the most obvious closing tendency to Putonghua, while the variables which keep the stable local features are the round-mouth finals in Tong(通)Group or the broad initials in Jing(精)Group. The investigation of social factors reveals that the usage of new phonetic system is negatively correlated with age. Young speakers are using new phonetic variables more frequently than the old. The groups of women, high education level and living-outside more than half a year are more inclined to use new phonetic variables than the groups of men, low education level and non-living-outside.The main internal factor of differences between new and old phonetic systems of Wulian dialect is the principle of language change, especially the economy principle. Other factors, like the vigorous promotion of Putonghua, the influence of the media and different attitudes towards Putonghua and Wulian dialects, increase the speed of closing tendency from Wulian dialect to Putonghua. However, Wulian dialect will continue to maintain its basic features as the main communication language in Wulian.