Historical linguistics and dialectology: A case study of Taiwan

Word Recognition Materials for Native Speakers of Taiwan Mandarin

“…Some researchers have even suggested that the vowel structure of Taiwan Mandarin is different from that of other dialects of Mandarin spoken in mainland China (Wan & Jaeger, 2003). When compared with other dialects of Mandarin, Taiwan Mandarin has been characterized as having a relatively low tone registry and a less frequent use of a neutral or fifth tone for unstressed syllables (Fon & Chiang, 1999;Kubler, 1985;Peng, 1991). In addition, two different orthographic systems are often used to visually represent Puťo nghuà and Taiwan Mandarin.…”

“…(For a more comprehensive discussion about the linguistic differences between the two dialects and their origins, see Cheng, 1985;Fon & Chiang, 1999;D. C. C. Li, 1983;Nissen, Harris, & Slade, 2007;Peng, 1991. ) An appropriate hearing evaluation for an individual from Taiwan should involve speech audiometry materials in his or her specific regional dialect.…”