Shenqing Guo, Xiajun Liu, Shanshan Yan and Qi Cai

Abstract

Only noticing the external performances, Method of Comparison (historical-comparative linguistics) ignores the main cause, heterogeneous contact, during the reconstruction of the linguistic history of pedigree of homogeneous differentiation through language comparison. Partly recognizing the function of contact and introducing the idea of strata(layering) in language evolution, Method of Strata Analysis (the historical analytic hierarchy method) takes it as written-spoken layers from superficial borrowing. But in linguistic strata (layering) of contact there are two basic forms: visible superimposition and invisible superimposition, which are essentially different. The former, visible superimposition, is formed by superficial borrowing from dialects to authoritative languages, usually starting with vocabulary and prone to irregular phonological changes, while the latter, invisible superimposition, is formed by underlying transfer caused by the fusion of two dialects, usually starting with phonological systems and prone to regular phonological changes. Mostly showing regular phonological changes, Zhen’an Yongle dialect is a fusion of two dialects, and its historical layers are mainly invisible superimposition rather than visible ones. Therefore, it is Method of reference (cross-sectional referencing) that can help us effectively disentangle the historical layers in language evolution.