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Xiang Chinese is classified as part of the Indo-European language family.
Answer: False
Explanation: Xiang Chinese belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family, specifically within the Sinitic branch, not the Indo-European family.
In 2021, the estimated number of native Xiang Chinese speakers was around 38 million.
Answer: True
Explanation: The provided data indicates that as of 2021, Xiang Chinese had approximately 38 million native speakers.
The ISO 639-3 code for Xiang Chinese is 'hsn'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has assigned the code 'hsn' to Xiang Chinese under its 639-3 standard.
The Glottolog identifier for Xiang Chinese is 'xian1251'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Glottolog database assigns the identifier 'xian1251' to Xiang Chinese.
The Chinese characters 湘語 represent the Simplified Chinese form for 'Xiang language'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The characters 湘語 represent the Traditional Chinese form for 'Xiang language'; the Simplified form is 湘语.
The IPA pronunciation provided for Xiang Chinese is [sian˧ y˦˩].
Answer: True
Explanation: The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription provided for Xiang Chinese is indeed [sian˧ y˦˩].
Xiang Chinese is the language spoken by the Cantonese people.
Answer: False
Explanation: Xiang Chinese is spoken by the Hunanese people; Cantonese is a distinct Chinese language variety spoken primarily in Guangdong and Guangxi.
The term 'Hunanese' is synonymous with Xiang Chinese.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Hunanese' is commonly used as another name for Xiang Chinese, reflecting its primary geographical concentration and association with the Hunanese people.
Xiang Chinese is part of the Sinitic branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.
Answer: True
Explanation: Xiang Chinese is correctly classified within the Sinitic branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.
What is Xiang Chinese also known as?
Answer: Hunanese
Explanation: Xiang Chinese is also commonly referred to as Hunanese, reflecting its primary geographical association with Hunan province.
Within which major language family does Xiang Chinese belong?
Answer: Sino-Tibetan
Explanation: Xiang Chinese is classified within the Sino-Tibetan language family.
Approximately how many native speakers of Xiang Chinese were estimated in 2021?
Answer: 38 million
Explanation: As of 2021, the estimated number of native Xiang Chinese speakers was approximately 38 million.
Which of the following is the ISO 639-3 code for Xiang Chinese?
Answer: hsn
Explanation: The ISO 639-3 code assigned to Xiang Chinese is 'hsn'.
What is the Glottolog identifier for Xiang Chinese?
Answer: xian1251
Explanation: The Glottolog database assigns the identifier 'xian1251' to Xiang Chinese.
The Lou-Shao (Old Xiang) subgroup is characterized by its preservation of Middle Chinese voiced stops, fricatives, and affricates.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lou-Shao, or Old Xiang, subgroup retains the three-way distinction of Middle Chinese obstruents, meaning it preserves voiced stops, fricatives, and affricates.
During the Tang dynasty, the entering tone in Hunan began to strengthen.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Tang dynasty, the entering tone in Hunan began to weaken, not strengthen.
A key phonological characteristic of Xiang languages is the general transformation of Middle Chinese voiced initials into aspirated voiceless initials across all tones.
Answer: False
Explanation: A key characteristic is the transformation of Middle Chinese voiced initials into *unaspirated* voiceless initials, not aspirated ones, across all tones.
In Lou-Shao (Old Xiang) dialects, the entering tone is generally preserved as a distinct category.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Lou-Shao (Old Xiang) dialects, the entering tone is generally absent in most varieties, whereas New Xiang dialects typically retain it.
Yuan Jiahua divided Xiang into Old Xiang and New Xiang, based on the treatment of Middle Chinese voiced initials.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yuan Jiahua's classification distinguishes between Old Xiang and New Xiang based on the evolution of Middle Chinese voiced initials.
The presence or absence of the entering tone is a minor feature in Xiang dialect classification.
Answer: False
Explanation: The presence or absence of the entering tone is considered a significant feature in the classification of Xiang dialects.
The table 'Development of voiced initials in different tones' shows that Middle Chinese voiced initials consistently became aspirated voiceless initials in all Xiang dialects.
Answer: False
Explanation: The table illustrates that Middle Chinese voiced initials generally became *unaspirated* voiceless initials, not aspirated ones, and variations exist across dialects.
In the table 'Development of voiced initials in different tones,' the Changsha dialect shows a change from a voiced initial to an aspirated voiceless initial for the word 'peach'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The table indicates that the Changsha dialect transforms the Middle Chinese voiced initial 'd' in 'peach' into an aspirated voiceless initial 't'.
In the table 'Development of voiced initials in different tones,' the Shaoyang and Changsha dialects show the same change for the initial of 'sit' compared to Middle Chinese.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both the Shaoyang and Changsha dialects exhibit the same change for the initial of 'sit' (Middle Chinese 'dz') compared to Middle Chinese, evolving into an unaspirated voiceless 'ts'.
What is a common phonological outcome for Middle Chinese voiced initials in Xiang languages?
Answer: They become unaspirated voiceless initials.
Explanation: A common outcome for Middle Chinese voiced initials in Xiang languages is their transformation into unaspirated voiceless initials.
The IPA pronunciation [tsoɤ]² for the word 'sit' in the Changsha dialect illustrates:
Answer: The change of the Middle Chinese initial 'dz' to an unaspirated voiceless 'ts'.
Explanation: The IPA transcription [tsoɤ]² for 'sit' in the Changsha dialect demonstrates the evolution from the Middle Chinese voiced initial 'dz' to an unaspirated voiceless 'ts'.
What is the significance of the 'entering tone' in differentiating Xiang dialects?
Answer: It is retained as a category in most New Xiang varieties but absent in most Old Xiang varieties.
Explanation: The entering tone is a significant feature for classification, typically retained in most New Xiang varieties but absent in most Old Xiang varieties.
Scholars have identified only three main subgroups of Xiang Chinese.
Answer: False
Explanation: Scholarly consensus identifies five principal subgroups of Xiang Chinese: Lou-Shao (Old Xiang), Chang-Yi (New Xiang), Chen-Xu (or Ji-Xu), Hengzhou, and Yong-Quan.
The main distinction between 'New Xiang' and 'Old Xiang' dialects is the complete loss of voicing in 'New Xiang' dialects.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary distinction is that 'New Xiang' dialects have lost voicing completely, while 'Old Xiang' dialects retain voiced initials in at least some tones. The statement implies 'New Xiang' is the only one with loss of voicing, which is true, but the phrasing could be clearer. The core distinction is the retention vs. loss of voicing.
The Shuangfeng dialect is typically used as the representative example for 'New Xiang'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Changsha dialect is typically used as the representative example for 'New Xiang', while the Shuangfeng dialect is representative of 'Old Xiang'.
The *Language Atlas of China* renamed the New and Old Xiang groups to Lou-Shao and Chang-Yi, respectively.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Language Atlas of China* relabeled the New Xiang group as Chang-Yi and the Old Xiang group as Lou-Shao, the reverse of what is stated.
According to Bao & Chen (2005), the Lou-Shao subgroup has the largest number of speakers among the five identified subgroups.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to Bao & Chen (2005), the Chang-Yi subgroup has the largest number of speakers (17.8 million), while Lou-Shao has 11.5 million speakers.
The Chang-Tan division of New Xiang is associated with the city of Zhuzhou.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chang-Tan division of New Xiang is associated with cities and counties including Urban Zhuzhou and Zhuzhou County, among others.
The Lian-Mei division of Old Xiang includes the city of Ningxiang.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lian-Mei division, part of the Old Xiang subgroup, includes Ningxiang along with Lianyuan, Lengshuijiang, and Anhua.
Chen-Xu Xiang dialects are primarily spoken in areas including Baojing and Yuanling.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chen-Xu Xiang dialects are primarily spoken in regions such as Baojing and Yuanling, among other listed locations.
The Dong-Qi division, part of the Yong-Quan Xiang subgroup, is associated with the city of Qiyang.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dong-Qi division, a part of the Yong-Quan Xiang subgroup, is associated with Urban Yongzhou, Dong'an, Qiyang, and Qidong.
The Yong-Quan Xiang subgroup has approximately 3.4 million speakers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Yong-Quan Xiang subgroup has approximately 6.5 million speakers; the Chen-Xu Xiang subgroup has approximately 3.4 million speakers.
The Chen-Xu Xiang subgroup has approximately 4.3 million speakers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Chen-Xu Xiang subgroup has approximately 3.4 million speakers; the Hengzhou Xiang subgroup has approximately 4.3 million speakers.
The Changsha dialect is representative of Old Xiang.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Changsha dialect is typically representative of 'New Xiang', while the Shuangfeng dialect is representative of 'Old Xiang'.
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the five main subgroups of Xiang Chinese?
Answer: Gan-Dian
Explanation: The five main subgroups identified are Lou-Shao, Chang-Yi, Chen-Xu (Ji-Xu), Hengzhou, and Yong-Quan. Gan-Dian is not listed among them.
The preservation of Middle Chinese voiced obstruents is a characteristic feature of which Xiang subgroup?
Answer: Lou-Shao (Old Xiang)
Explanation: The Lou-Shao, or Old Xiang, subgroup is characterized by its preservation of Middle Chinese voiced stops, fricatives, and affricates.
Which dialect is typically used as the representative example for 'New Xiang'?
Answer: Changsha dialect
Explanation: The Changsha dialect is conventionally employed as the representative exemplar for 'New Xiang'.
Which Xiang subgroup has the largest estimated number of speakers according to Bao & Chen (2005)?
Answer: Chang-Yi (17.8 million)
Explanation: According to Bao & Chen (2005), the Chang-Yi subgroup has the largest estimated number of speakers at 17.8 million.
Which Xiang subgroup is associated with the cities of Chenxi and Jishou?
Answer: Chen-Xu Xiang
Explanation: The Chen-Xu Xiang dialects are primarily spoken in areas including Chenxi and Jishou, among others.
What linguistic feature distinguishes 'Old Xiang' from 'New Xiang' regarding Middle Chinese initials?
Answer: Old Xiang retains voiced initials in some tones, while New Xiang has lost voicing completely.
Explanation: The primary distinction lies in the treatment of Middle Chinese voiced initials: Old Xiang dialects preserve voicing in some tones, while New Xiang dialects exhibit a complete loss of voicing.
The *Language Atlas of China* reclassified the New Xiang group as:
Answer: Chang-Yi
Explanation: The *Language Atlas of China* relabeled the New Xiang group as Chang-Yi.
Mandarin Chinese has had minimal influence on Xiang Chinese due to geographical isolation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Xiang Chinese has been heavily influenced by Mandarin Chinese, which borders it on three sides, contradicting the notion of minimal influence due to geographical isolation.
The languages of the ancient Ba, Nanman, and Baiyue tribes, who inhabited the region before the Warring States period, are well-documented today.
Answer: False
Explanation: The languages of the ancient Ba, Nanman, and Baiyue tribes, who inhabited the region prior to the Warring States period, cannot be studied today.
Yang Xiong's *Fangyan* identifies the Southern Chu dialect of the Qin and Han dynasties as the ancestor of modern Xiang Chinese.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to Yang Xiong's *Fangyan*, the Southern Chu dialect spoken during the Qin and Han dynasties is considered the ancestor of modern Xiang Chinese.
The Tang dynasty migration primarily brought Southern Min dialects into Hunan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Tang dynasty migration primarily brought Middle Chinese into Hunan, leading to the development of Mandarin dialects in northern and western Hunan, not Southern Min dialects.
Overcrowding in Jiangxi and population loss in Hunan were key drivers for the late Yuan and Ming dynasty emigration.
Answer: True
Explanation: The significant emigration from Jiangxi to Hunan during the late Yuan and Ming dynasties was driven by overcrowding in Jiangxi and population losses in Hunan.
Gan Chinese, introduced by settlers from Jiangxi during the Ming dynasty, influenced Xiang Chinese, particularly contributing to the development of Old Xiang.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gan Chinese influenced Xiang Chinese, contributing to the development of New Xiang (not Old Xiang), due to Ming dynasty settlers from Jiangxi.
The languages of the Ba, Nanman, and Baiyue tribes are considered direct ancestors of modern Xiang Chinese.
Answer: False
Explanation: While these tribes inhabited the region, their languages are not considered direct ancestors of modern Xiang Chinese; the Southern Chu dialect is identified as the ancestor.
The migration during the Tang dynasty led to the development of Mandarin dialects in northern and western Hunan.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Tang dynasty migration brought Middle Chinese into Hunan, resulting in the development of Mandarin dialects in the northern and western regions.
Which language, bordering Xiang Chinese on three sides, has significantly influenced its development?
Answer: Mandarin Chinese
Explanation: Mandarin Chinese, which borders Xiang Chinese on three sides, has exerted a significant influence on its development.
According to Yang Xiong's *Fangyan*, what dialect is considered the ancestor of modern Xiang Chinese?
Answer: The Southern Chu dialect
Explanation: Yang Xiong's *Fangyan* identifies the Southern Chu dialect of the Qin and Han dynasties as the ancestor of modern Xiang Chinese.
What major migration event during the Tang dynasty brought Middle Chinese into Hunan?
Answer: A migration from the north to the south
Explanation: A significant migration from the north to the south during the Tang dynasty introduced Middle Chinese into Hunan.
Which factor contributed to the differentiation of speech in eastern Hunan into New Xiang during the Ming dynasty?
Answer: Influence from Gan Chinese settlers
Explanation: The influence of Gan Chinese settlers, migrating from Jiangxi during the Ming dynasty, contributed to the differentiation of speech in eastern Hunan into New Xiang.
The historical emigration from Jiangxi to Hunan during the late Yuan and Ming dynasties was primarily driven by:
Answer: Overcrowding in Jiangxi and population loss in Hunan.
Explanation: The emigration was primarily driven by overcrowding in Jiangxi and significant population losses in Hunan during that period.
Linguist W. South Coblin strongly supports the classification of Xiang as a distinct taxonomic branch.
Answer: False
Explanation: Linguist W. South Coblin has expressed doubt regarding the classification of Xiang as a distinct taxonomic branch, indicating a point of scholarly contention.
Yuan Jiahua's 1960 classification recognized Xiang Chinese as one of the seven major groups of Chinese varieties.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to Yuan Jiahua's 1960 classification, Xiang Chinese is recognized as one of the seven major groups of Chinese varieties.
Jerry Norman positioned Xiang Chinese as a northern dialect group, distinct from Mandarin.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jerry Norman classified Xiang Chinese as an intermediate group between the northern Mandarin group and the southern Chinese groups, not as a northern group distinct from Mandarin.
Jerry Norman described the boundary between New Xiang and Southwestern Mandarin as particularly strong and distinct.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jerry Norman characterized the boundary between New Xiang and Southwestern Mandarin as one of the weakest in China, noting considerable similarities.
Zhou Zhenhe and You Rujie classified New Xiang dialects as a distinct group separate from Mandarin.
Answer: False
Explanation: Zhou Zhenhe and You Rujie classified New Xiang dialects as part of Southwestern Mandarin, contrary to classifying them as a distinct group separate from Mandarin.
An asterisk (*) in the distribution table indicates that a location was included based solely on the *Language Atlas of China* classification.
Answer: False
Explanation: An asterisk (*) indicates that a small part of the territory belongs to that specific Xiang subgroup, while a double asterisk (**) signifies inclusion based solely on the *Language Atlas of China*.
The double asterisk (**) in the distribution table indicates that a small part of the territory belongs to that specific Xiang subgroup.
Answer: False
Explanation: A double asterisk (**) signifies that the location was included based solely on the *Language Atlas of China* classification. An asterisk (*) indicates a small part of the territory belonging to the subgroup.
What is the main point of contention regarding the classification of Xiang Chinese, according to linguist W. South Coblin?
Answer: He doubts Xiang should be grouped as a distinct taxonomic branch.
Explanation: W. South Coblin has expressed reservations about classifying Xiang as a distinct taxonomic branch, representing a key point of debate in its linguistic categorization.
In Yuan Jiahua's 1960 classification, Xiang Chinese was considered:
Answer: One of the seven major groups of Chinese varieties
Explanation: Yuan Jiahua's 1960 classification recognized Xiang Chinese as one of the seven major groups of Chinese varieties.
How did Jerry Norman categorize Xiang Chinese relative to other major Chinese language groups?
Answer: As an intermediate group between Mandarin and southern groups
Explanation: Jerry Norman classified Xiang Chinese as an intermediate group, positioned between the northern Mandarin group and the southern Chinese groups.
According to Jerry Norman, the boundary between New Xiang and Southwestern Mandarin is characterized as:
Answer: One of the weakest in China, with considerable similarities
Explanation: Jerry Norman described the boundary between New Xiang and Southwestern Mandarin as one of the weakest in China, noting considerable similarities between dialects on either side.
How did Zhou Zhenhe and You Rujie classify New Xiang dialects?
Answer: As part of Southwestern Mandarin
Explanation: Zhou Zhenhe and You Rujie classified New Xiang dialects as part of Southwestern Mandarin, diverging from other linguistic classifications.
What does the symbol '**' denote in the distribution table of Xiang subgroups?
Answer: Inclusion based solely on the *Language Atlas of China*
Explanation: A double asterisk (**) in the distribution table signifies that the mentioned location's inclusion within that Xiang subgroup is based solely on the classification provided by the *Language Atlas of China*.
The Xiang Chinese language, also referred to as Hunanese, is primarily spoken in the Sichuan province.
Answer: False
Explanation: Xiang Chinese is primarily spoken in Hunan province, with significant presence in northern Guangxi and parts of neighboring provinces. Sichuan province is mentioned as a region where it is spoken, but not as the primary location.
Xiang Chinese is spoken in parts of Guangdong and Hubei provinces.
Answer: True
Explanation: Xiang Chinese is spoken primarily in Hunan province, but also extends into parts of Guangdong and Hubei provinces, among others.
The counties of Quanzhou and Guanyang in northeastern Guangxi are areas where Xiang is spoken.
Answer: True
Explanation: The counties of Quanzhou and Guanyang, along with others, are specified as areas in northeastern Guangxi where Xiang Chinese is spoken.
In West Hunan, Xiang Chinese is in contact with the Han Chinese language.
Answer: False
Explanation: In West Hunan, Xiang Chinese is noted to be in contact with the Qo-Xiong Miao and Tujia languages, not Han Chinese.
The map of Hunan Province's dialects shows Xiangnan Tuhua primarily in the central region.
Answer: False
Explanation: The map indicates Xiangnan Tuhua is located in the southern region of Hunan, not the central region.
The statement 'Xiang Chinese is spoken mainly in Hunan province' is supported by which detail from the source?
Answer: It is spoken in Hunan and neighboring provinces like Guangxi.
Explanation: The source confirms Xiang Chinese is spoken primarily in Hunan province and also in neighboring provinces such as Guangxi, supporting the general statement of its main location.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a region where Xiang Chinese is spoken?
Answer: Southern Fujian
Explanation: While Xiang Chinese is spoken in Hunan, Northern Guangxi, and parts of Guangdong, Southern Fujian is not mentioned as a region where it is spoken.
What does the map of Hunan Province's dialects indicate about the distribution of Xiang varieties?
Answer: New Xiang, Old Xiang, and Chen-Xu Xiang occupy distinct geographical areas within Hunan.
Explanation: The map illustrates that New Xiang, Old Xiang, and Chen-Xu Xiang varieties occupy specific, distinct geographical areas within Hunan province.
Which languages are mentioned as being in contact with Xiang Chinese in West Hunan?
Answer: Miao and Tujia
Explanation: In West Hunan, Xiang Chinese is noted to be in contact with the Qo-Xiong Miao and Tujia languages.