Modern Literal Taiwanese: Difference between revisions

From Taioaan Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
({{gsw)
 
(53 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{gsw|Hiexntai Bunsuhoad|t=,51|現代文書法|Modern Literal Taiwanese}} (MLT), also known as '''{{x2|Hiexntai-buun}}''' and '''Modern Taiwanese Language''' (MTL), is a writing system in the [[Latin jixbør|Latin alphabet]] for [[Taiguo|Taiwanese]] based on the [[Taiwanese Modern Spelling System]] (TMSS). MLT is able to use the ASCII character set to indicate the proper variation of pitch without subsidiary scripts or diacritic symbols.
'''Modern Literal Taiwanese''' (MLT), also known as '''Modern Taiwanese Language''' (MTL), {{GS|Hiexntai-buun|現代文}} (HTB; short for {{GSW|Hiexntai Bunsuhoad|現代文書法|}}), is a writing system in the [[Latin jixbør|Latin alphabet]] for [[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]]. MLT indicates the proper variation of pitch without subsidiary scripts or diacritic symbols. See ''[[A Beginner's Guide to Taiwanese]]'' to get started.


==MLT Examples==
== MLT examples ==
;{{tts|[[Ciaqpar]]`bøe?|ciaqparboe{}}:Greetings.  (lit., "Have you eaten?")
; [[Ciaqpar`bøe]]?
;{{tts|[[Iawbøe]]}}. :Not yet.
:Greetings.  (lit., "Have you eaten?")
;{{tts|Sitlea!}} :Sorry for my impoliteness!  (lit., "Disrespect")
; [[Piexnsor]] ti [[tøfui]]?
;{{tts|[[Piexnsor]] ti [[tøfui]]?}} :Where's the bathroom?  (lit., "bathroom is where?")
:Where's the bathroom?  (lit., "bathroom is where?")
;{{tts|Thviaf u`bøo.|thvia'u'bQh{}} :Do you understand?  (lit., "Heard, no?")
;Kin'axm larn bøeq khix [[Suxliim Iaxchi'ar]].
;{{tts|Goar thviabøo.}} :I don't understand.  (lit., "I hear not")
:Tonight, we are going to Shilin Night Market.
;{{tts|Lie karm korng [[Engguo]]?}} :You do speak English, no?
;{{tts|[[Loflat]]! [[Kafmsia]]!}} :Thank you
;{{tts|Ho taf`laq!}} :Cheers!  (lit., ''Let it (the cup) be dry!'')
;[[Siensvy]] korng, [[hagsefng]] [[tiaxmtiam]] thviaf[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Taiwanese_Kana_Example.ogg .] :The teacher talks, the students quietly listen.
;[[Kin'afjit]] hit'ee [[zabor-gyn'ar]] laai goarn-taw khvoax goar[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Tai_JintianDaoJiaKanWo.ogg .] :Today that girl came to my house to see me.
;{{tts|Kin'axm larn beq khix [[Suxliim Iaxchi'ar]].}} :Tonight, we are going to Shilin Night Market.


==Current system==
== Current system ==
The [[Taiwanese alphabet|MLT alphabet]] adopts the Latin alphabet of 26 letters, plus [[ø]], to express the basic sounds of Taiwanese. Here are the basic sounds:
The [[MLT alphabet]] adopts the English alphabet of 26 letters, plus [[ø]], to express the basic sounds of Taiwanese. Here are the basic sounds:


*a b c ch e f g h i j k kh l m n ng o ø p ph q r s t th u v y z zh
* a b c ch e f g h i j k kh l m n ng o ø p ph q r s t th u v y z zh


A MLT word, like each English word, can be formed by only one syllable or several syllables, with the two syllables being the most typical. Each syllable in MLT follows either one of the two underlying patterns (phonemes inside the brackets are optional):
A word can be formed by only one syllable or several syllables, with two syllables being the most typical. Each syllable in MLT follows either one of the two underlying patterns (parts inside the brackets are optional):


*[Consonant] + [front nasal-sound] + vowel + [tone indicator]
* [consonant] + [nasalizer] + vowel + [tone indicator]
*[Consonant] + vowel + [tone indicator] + [rear nasal-sound]
* [consonant] + vowel + [tone indicator] + [nasal final consonant]


===Consonants===
===Consonants===
* Bilabial: b, p, ph, m {{tts||by, py, phy, my}}
[[File:py, phy, mi, bi, ty, thvy, ny, li, ky, khy, hy, gi, cy, chy, sy, ji, zef, zheq.mp3]]
* Alveolar: t, th, n, l {{tts||ty, thy, ny, ly}}
* Bilabial: p, ph, m, b
* Velar: g, k, kh, h {{tts||gi, ky, khy, hy}}
* Alveolar: t, th, n, l
* Palatal: c, ch, s, j (followed by vowel "i") {{tts||cy, chy, sy, ji}}
* Velar: k, kh, h, g
* Dental: z, zh, s, j (not followed by vowel "i") {{tts||zef, zhef, sef, joa}}
* Palatal: c, ch, s, j (followed by vowel "i")
* Dental: z, zh, s, j (not followed by vowel "i")
The convention of using "h" to denote [[aspirated consonant]]s is similar to the way superscript "h" is used in the {{w|International Phonetic Alphabet}} (IPA). It is also similar to the way the apostrophe is used in [[Wade-Giles]].
The convention of using "h" to denote [[aspirated consonant]]s is similar to the way superscript "h" is used in the {{w|International Phonetic Alphabet}} (IPA). It is also similar to the way the apostrophe is used in [[Wade-Giles]].


===Vowels===
=== Vowels ===
* Simple: a, i, u, e, o, ø, m, ng {{tts||af, i, u, e, o, øo, m, ng}}
* Simple: a, i, u, e, o, ø, m, ng
* Compound: ai, au, ia, iu, iø, iau, ui, oa, oe, øe, oai {{tts||ay, au, ia, iu, iø, iau, ui, oa, oe, øe, oay}}
* Compound: ai, au, ia, iu, iø, iau, ui, oa, oe, [[øe]], oai
* Special high tone (1st tone of i, u): y, w {{tts||y, w}}
* Special high tone (1st tone of i, u): y, w
* Special shouting-out tone (2nd tone of ai, i, u, e, au): {{tts|ae, ie, uo, ea, ao}}
* Special shouting-out tone (2nd tone of ai, i, u, e, au): ae, ie, uo, ea, ao
* Front {{w|nasal vowel}} (indicator only, must be followed by a vowel): {{tts|v|viw}}
* {{w|Nasal vowel}} (indicator followed by a vowel): v
* Nasal Finals: {{tts|m, n, ng|am, an, ang}}


The nasal finals ''m'', ''n'', and ''ng'' can be appended to any of the vowels and some of the diphthongs. In addition, ''m'' and ''ng'' can function as independent syllables by themselves.
The nasal final consonants ''m'', ''n'', and ''ng'' can be appended to any of the vowels and some of the diphthongs. In addition, ''m'' and ''ng'' can function as independent syllables by themselves.


The stops ''h''/''q'', ''k''/''g'', ''p''/''b'' and ''t''/''d'' can appear as the last letter in a syllable, in which case they are pronounced as unreleased stops.  (The finals ''h'' and ''q'' stand for a glottal stop of high and low tone, respectively.)
The stops ''h''/''q'', ''k''/''g'', ''p''/''b'' and ''t''/''d'' can appear as the last letter in a syllable, in which case they are pronounced as unreleased stops.  (The final consonants ''h'' and ''q'' stand for a glottal stop of high and low tone, respectively.)


TMSS originally prescribed two special characters: the Greek {{w|Nu (letter)}} and an [[o]] crossed by a backslash. To enable ASCII only typing, these were replaced with the Latin letter ''v'' and number ''0'', respectively. In modern computing environments, [[ø]] ("letter O with stroke") is used without much technical difficulty. Furthermore, ''[[øe]]'' can generally be replaced with ''oe'' (the distinction between these two sounds is blurred in common usage).
Originally two special characters were used: the Greek {{w|nu (letter)}} and an [[o]] crossed by a backslash. These have been replaced with the Latin ''[[v]]'' and Scandinavian ''[[ø]]'', respectively.


===Tones===
===Tones===
The [[Tones of Taiwanese]] are encoded by appending and modifying spellings with attention to the rules of the MLT system. The basic tone has no modification.
The [[Tones of Taiwanese]] are encoded by appending and modifying spellings with attention to the rules of the MLT system. The basic tone has no modification.


====High Tone====
====High tone====
A [[Køtiau-ym|high tone]] is derived from raising a basic tone, and is represented by adding a tone indicator "f" after a vowel, except "i" and "u", in a syllable. The high tone of "i" and "u" are "y" and "w" respectively.  Note that the tone indicator "f" is a [[silent letter]].
A [[high tone]] is derived from raising a basic tone, and is represented by adding a tone indicator "f" after a vowel, except "i" and "u", in a syllable. The high tone of "i" and "u" are "y" and "w" respectively.  Note that the tone indicator "f" is a [[silent letter]].


====Shouting-out Tone====
====Shouting-out tone====
A [[Sioxngtut-ym|shouting-out tone]] is derived from shouting out a basic tone, and is represented by adding a tone indicator "r" after a vowel. Exceptions "ai", "i", "u", "e", and "au", in a syllable, for which "ae", "ie", "uo", "ea", and "ao" are substituted, respectively.
A [[shouting tone|shouting-out tone]] is derived from shouting out a basic tone, and is represented by adding a tone indicator "r" after a vowel. Exceptions "ai", "i", "u", "e", and "au", in a syllable, for which "ae", "ie", "uo", "ea", and "ao" are substituted, respectively.


====Low-falling Tone====
====Low-falling tone====
The [[Extut-ym|low-falling tone]] is always marked by appending an "x" to the rearmost vowel.
The [[low tone|low-falling tone]] is always marked by appending an "x" to the rearmost vowel.


====Rising Tone====
====Rising tone====
The [[Hoesoaan-ym|rising tone]] is denoted by the following rules:
For the [[curving tone|rising tone]]:
* Simple vowel: simply repeat the vowel.
* Simple vowel: simply repeat the vowel.
* Compound vowel: repeat the last vowel letter except when it contains an "a", then repeats "a". In the case of ø, use øo rather than øø.
* Compound vowel: repeat the last vowel letter except:
** if it contains an ''a'', then repeat ''a''.
** for ''ø'', use ''øo'' instead of ''øø''.


====Short Tone====
====Short tone====
[[Tøefym|Low stopping tones]] are indicated by substituting the final stops as follows: h->q, t->d, p->b, k->g.
[[Short tones]] are indicated by substituting the final stops as follows: h->q, t->d, p->b, k->g.


====Rare shouting tone====
====Rare shouting tone====
Line 71: Line 67:


====Examples====
====Examples====
Examples for the seven [[Tones of Taiwanese]]: {{tts|ty, bea, pax, aq, zoaa, chviu, lok}}
Animals as examples for the [[tones of Taiwanese|seven tones]]:
* 1 (High): [[ty]] (pig)
* {{x|say}} (1: High)
* 2 (Shouting-out): [[bea]] (horse)
* {{x|chviu}} (7: Basic)
* 3 (Low-falling): [[pax]] (leopard)
* {{x|pax}} (3: Low-falling)
* 4 (Low stop): [[aq]] (duck)
* {{x|hor}} (2: Shouting-out)
* 5 (Rising): [[zoaa]] (snake)
* {{x|hiim}} (5: Rising)
* 7 (Basic): [[chviu]] (elephant)
* {{x|lok}} (8: High stop)
* 8 (High stop): [[lok]] (deer)
* {{x|piq}} (4: Low stop)


===Special Symbols===
=== Special symbols ===
The [[vertical typewriter apostrophe]] (') is used to demarcate syllables when there is ambiguity. A [[hyphen]] (-) is used to join two, or more isolated words to make a new compound word with its own meaning.  
The apostrophe ('; ''[[sefngji-huhø]]'') is used to demarcate syllables when there is ambiguity. A [[hyphen]] (-; ''[[lien'oeh]]'' / ''lien'uih'') is used to join two, or more isolated words to make a new compound word with its own meaning.  


All the syllables after a [[grave accent]] (`) (also known as a backquote or backtick) are spoken in a weaker tone -- either a low-falling tone or a low stop. [[Tone sandhi]] is not applied to the preceding syllable. Note that modern word processors might automatically substitute non-ASCII variants...this is not recommended.
All the syllables after a [[backquote]] (`) are spoken in a weaker tone -- either a low-falling tone or a low stop. [[Tone sandhi]] is not applied to the preceding syllable.


==History of MLT==
== History of MLT ==
The [[Peh-oe-ji]] (POJ) system, introduced in the 19th century, provides a basis for the phonetic transcription of the Taiwanese language using the Latin alphabet and developed a significant user base. However this user base declined during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, when the use of POJ was suppressed in preference to [[Taioangie kana|katakana]], and during the Kuomintang era of martial law, during which Standard Mandarin was promoted.
The [[Pe̍h-ōe-]] (POJ) system, introduced in the 19th century, provides a basis for the phonetic transcription of Taiwanese using the Latin alphabet and developed a significant user base. However this user base declined during [[Taioaan Jidpurn sitai|Japanese rule]], when the use of POJ was suppressed in preference to [[Taioaan-guo kana|katakana]], and during the Kuomintang era of martial law, during which Standard Mandarin was promoted.


Prof. [[Liim Keahioong]], formerly of the National Cheng Kung University in [[Tailaam]], Taiwan, pioneered the Taiwanese Modern Spelling System (TMSS) in 1943, with the intent to avoid the diacritic markings of POJ and the cumbersomeness of inputting Chinese characters with the technology available. TMSS served as the basis for Modern Literal Taiwanese (MLT), or Modern Taiwanese Language (MTL) system.
In 1943, four classmates in Tainan 2nd Middle School, began compiling Taiwanese words using a spelling system that would become the [[Taiwanese Modern Spelling System]] (TMSS). One of the students, [[Liim Keahioong]], developed TMSS to avoid the diacritic markings of POJ and the difficulty of inputting Chinese characters with the technology available. TMSS served as the basis for Modern Literal Taiwanese (MLT), which Dr. Liim first made public in the United States in 1986. Modern Taiwanese Language (MTL) is currently being used by the [[Washington DC Taiwanese School]].


==Use of ø==
== See also ==
In some cases one may substitute "[[Q]]" in place of "[[ø]]". It is also acceptable to substitute "oe" for "øe". On this wiki, this is generally done in multisyllable words.
* [[Taiwanese-English dictionaries]]
* [[MTL Toolbox]]
* [[WDCTS]]


==See Also/Zhamkhør==
== References ==
*[[MTL Toolbox]]
* {{Textbook_1990}}
*[[WDCTS]]
 
==External links==
* http://www.edutech.org.tw/ 21st Century Taiwanese Language & Art Web - website run by Prof. Liim Keahioong, EDUTECH Foundation, Tainan, Taiwan
* http://taioaan.org/taigie/english/jixtiern/match.php - Taiwanese (MTL) to English and Mandarin Dictionary


[[Category:POJ]]
[[Category:POJ]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 22 March 2024

Modern Literal Taiwanese (MLT), also known as Modern Taiwanese Language (MTL), Hiexntai-buun (現代文) (HTB; short for Hiexntai Bunsuhoad (現代文書法)), is a writing system in the Latin alphabet for Taiwanese. MLT indicates the proper variation of pitch without subsidiary scripts or diacritic symbols. See A Beginner's Guide to Taiwanese to get started.

MLT examples

Ciaqpar`bøe?
Greetings. (lit., "Have you eaten?")
Piexnsor ti tøfui?
Where's the bathroom? (lit., "bathroom is where?")
Kin'axm larn bøeq khix Suxliim Iaxchi'ar.
Tonight, we are going to Shilin Night Market.

Current system

The MLT alphabet adopts the English alphabet of 26 letters, plus ø, to express the basic sounds of Taiwanese. Here are the basic sounds:

  • a b c ch e f g h i j k kh l m n ng o ø p ph q r s t th u v y z zh

A word can be formed by only one syllable or several syllables, with two syllables being the most typical. Each syllable in MLT follows either one of the two underlying patterns (parts inside the brackets are optional):

  • [consonant] + [nasalizer] + vowel + [tone indicator]
  • [consonant] + vowel + [tone indicator] + [nasal final consonant]

Consonants

  • Bilabial: p, ph, m, b
  • Alveolar: t, th, n, l
  • Velar: k, kh, h, g
  • Palatal: c, ch, s, j (followed by vowel "i")
  • Dental: z, zh, s, j (not followed by vowel "i")

The convention of using "h" to denote aspirated consonants is similar to the way superscript "h" is used in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It is also similar to the way the apostrophe is used in Wade-Giles.

Vowels

  • Simple: a, i, u, e, o, ø, m, ng
  • Compound: ai, au, ia, iu, iø, iau, ui, oa, oe, øe, oai
  • Special high tone (1st tone of i, u): y, w
  • Special shouting-out tone (2nd tone of ai, i, u, e, au): ae, ie, uo, ea, ao
  • Nasal vowel (indicator followed by a vowel): v

The nasal final consonants m, n, and ng can be appended to any of the vowels and some of the diphthongs. In addition, m and ng can function as independent syllables by themselves.

The stops h/q, k/g, p/b and t/d can appear as the last letter in a syllable, in which case they are pronounced as unreleased stops. (The final consonants h and q stand for a glottal stop of high and low tone, respectively.)

Originally two special characters were used: the Greek nu (letter) and an o crossed by a backslash. These have been replaced with the Latin v and Scandinavian ø, respectively.

Tones

The Tones of Taiwanese are encoded by appending and modifying spellings with attention to the rules of the MLT system. The basic tone has no modification.

High tone

A high tone is derived from raising a basic tone, and is represented by adding a tone indicator "f" after a vowel, except "i" and "u", in a syllable. The high tone of "i" and "u" are "y" and "w" respectively. Note that the tone indicator "f" is a silent letter.

Shouting-out tone

A shouting-out tone is derived from shouting out a basic tone, and is represented by adding a tone indicator "r" after a vowel. Exceptions "ai", "i", "u", "e", and "au", in a syllable, for which "ae", "ie", "uo", "ea", and "ao" are substituted, respectively.

Low-falling tone

The low-falling tone is always marked by appending an "x" to the rearmost vowel.

Rising tone

For the rising tone:

  • Simple vowel: simply repeat the vowel.
  • Compound vowel: repeat the last vowel letter except:
    • if it contains an a, then repeat a.
    • for ø, use øo instead of øø.

Short tone

Short tones are indicated by substituting the final stops as follows: h->q, t->d, p->b, k->g.

Rare shouting tone

This tone has largely merged with the shouting-out tone. It is used in rare instances such as the triplet "aarng'ang'aang", meaning "extraordinarily red".

Examples

Animals as examples for the seven tones:

  • say (1: High)
  • chviu (7: Basic)
  • pax (3: Low-falling)
  • hor (2: Shouting-out)
  • hiim (5: Rising)
  • lok (8: High stop)
  • piq (4: Low stop)

Special symbols

The apostrophe ('; sefngji-huhø) is used to demarcate syllables when there is ambiguity. A hyphen (-; lien'oeh / lien'uih) is used to join two, or more isolated words to make a new compound word with its own meaning.

All the syllables after a backquote (`) are spoken in a weaker tone -- either a low-falling tone or a low stop. Tone sandhi is not applied to the preceding syllable.

History of MLT

The Pe̍h-ōe-jī (POJ) system, introduced in the 19th century, provides a basis for the phonetic transcription of Taiwanese using the Latin alphabet and developed a significant user base. However this user base declined during Japanese rule, when the use of POJ was suppressed in preference to katakana, and during the Kuomintang era of martial law, during which Standard Mandarin was promoted.

In 1943, four classmates in Tainan 2nd Middle School, began compiling Taiwanese words using a spelling system that would become the Taiwanese Modern Spelling System (TMSS). One of the students, Liim Keahioong, developed TMSS to avoid the diacritic markings of POJ and the difficulty of inputting Chinese characters with the technology available. TMSS served as the basis for Modern Literal Taiwanese (MLT), which Dr. Liim first made public in the United States in 1986. Modern Taiwanese Language (MTL) is currently being used by the Washington DC Taiwanese School.

See also

References