The Labio-dental Initials of MC Zhi Group with Hekouhu Finals in Dialect of Liuzhi Town

The initials of MC Zhi 知 Group has different phonetic forms, complex classification and combination types, and rich historical strata in modern Chinese dialects, which has always been the attention of Chinese dialect scholars. The type of current reading and the historical strata it reflects are not only important standards of Chinese dialects division, but also significant perspectives to investigate the historical evolution and mutual relationship of each dialect. Liuzhi Town of Huazhou is adjacent to the counties of Huayin and Dali. Influenced by the five counties along the Yellow river, Zhi 知 Group with Hekouhu 合口呼 (articulation with u as medial or main vowel) finals in Liuzhi town became labio-dentalized and read as pf, pfh, f, v respectively, which is completely different from the ʧ group in other towns of Huazhou. A comprehensive study of the current pronunciation of Zhi/Zhuang/Zhang 知庄 章 initials in dialect of Liuzhi town can help scholars explore the development and evolution of the three groups in Guanzhong dialect.