Zeng Zhichao 曾智超

Zeng Zhichao

Education:
B.A., Nankai University
M.A., Nankai University

Research Interest:
Language change; Dialectology and geolinguistics; Southern Min

Introduction:
I was born in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China. My interest lies in exploring the diffusion of language change across space, with a focus on languages/dialects such as Min, Mandarin, and Zhuang (Kra-Dai). In 2022, I embarked on my academic journey at the Department of Chinese Studies at NUS. Currently, I am working on Datian Min, a cluster of dialects used near the geographical center of Fujian.

Supervisor: Dr Shen Ruiqing, A/P Phua Chiew Pheng

Thesis Title: Dàtián Dialects of Mǐn: Phonological Reconstruction, Genealogical Relations, and Contact Histories

This research relies on fieldwork to describe several under-studied Min varieties spoken in Datian County, Fujian, China. It delves into comparative Min, aiming to unravel the subgrouping of Coastal Min, explore dialect contact, and trace linguistic changes. The primary emphasis of this study lies in phonological aspects, though it also extends its scope to encompass vocabulary and grammar.