Two paths of evolution of diminutives in Yuetai Hakka dialects
This paper investigates the functions of diminutives in the Chengxiang Hakka dialect of Zengcheng in Guangzhou,and suggests that tsz(子)used to be a diminutive marker in Yuetai Hakka dialects which later evolved into a suffix for approximation/state or a sentence-final particle.The loss of diminutive indication and the phonological reduction often make it difficult to trace back the evolution of former diminutive markers.It is by comparison between dialects that certain evidences can be found for such diachronic change of diminutive markers.
diminutiveHakkatsz(子)suffix for approximation/statesentence-final particle
万方数据
维普
