Reexamine the Sandhi Rules and the Merging Tones in Hakka Language

Abstract

This paper tried to probe the merging tones and the application of sandhi rule for unchecked tones (/24/[33] and /33/[33]) in Hailu variety of Hakka language. Generally speaking, the sandhi rule was applied in both the younger (under 30) and the older (above 50) groups. Tone merging phenomenon (/24/[24] merging toward /33/[33]) was not found in the older group. Yet, the merging phenomenon was found in the younger group. The sandhi rule for /24/ and /33/ was not observed in most of the young speakers. It is proposed that the /24/ and /33/ tones were undergoing sound change by the younger generation.