Linguistic Geography of Chinese Dialects by Use of a Newly Developed Computer System

这个项目是继1989年开始的研究项目之后，利用新开发的电脑系统，编制一套大规模的中文方言地图集。所涉及的语言理论框架和方法论是语言地理学的理论框架和方法论，其最终目的是揭示语言变化的各个方面。(1) PHD系统建设基于XML的数据积累和处理系统PHD （Project on Han dialect）在我们自己的服务器上开发和运行。它由基础资源（地方资料、方言资料）、语言资料（指示汉字、国际音标等）、数字地图数据等组成。还开发了客户端应用程序以方便我们的工作。这个系统通过互联网加强了信息和资源的共享，并实现了高效的团队工作。(2)基础工作对前期项目积累的资源进行了补充和修订，录入了近100项（主要是词汇项）的语言数据（尤其是国际音标）。(3)地图的绘制和解释绘制了约80个项目的语言地图。每张地图选择的参数以及作者提出的解释在研究会议上进行了讨论，并在我们网站上建立的论坛上开放讨论。(4)研究成果本项目的部分成果体现在两份研究报告中。我们的一些研究结果在日本国内外举行的各种会议上发表。(5)其他：我们开始对一些与民俗有关的项目进行文字学调查，并开始储备基础资料，以便用统计方法更好地评估各种方言的语言亲和力。下一步计划下一步计划我们的研究将至少持续两年，直到我们完成语言地图及其解释的正式出版。

This project follows the preceding projects performed since 1989, and aims, through the use of a newly developed computer system, to develop a large-scale linguistic atlas of Chinese dialects. The linguistic theoretical framework and the methodology referred to are those of linguistic geography, whose ultimate target is to disclose various aspects of linguistic changes.(1)Construction of the PHD systemAn XML based data accumulating and processing system, PHD (Project on Han Dialects), was developed and operated on our own server. It comprises and integrates the basic resources (data on localities and dialect materials), linguistic data (indicating Chinese characters, IPA etc.), and digital map data. Client applications were also developed to facilitate our work. This system enhanced to share information and resources and to achieve efficient team work via the intemet.(2)Basic workSupplementations and revision were made for the resources accumulated in the preceding projects, then we input the linguistic data (especially IPA) for nearly 100 items (mostly lexical items).(3)The drawing of the maps and their interpretationLinguistic maps on about 80 items were drawn. The parameters selected for each map as well as the interpretation proposed by the author were discussed at the research meetings, and were also open for discussion on the forum set up on our site.(4)Research outputA part of the output of this project was shown in the two research reports. Some of our findings were presented at various conferences held in and outside Japan.(5)OthersWe started a philological survey of some items related to folklore, and also started to stock basic data to get a better assessment of the linguistic affinity of various dialects by statistical methods. Next plans(6)Next plansOur research will go on at lelast for two years, until we complete the official publication of the linguistic maps and their interpretations.