Comparison of the Three-pattern Accent Systems in Fukui Prefecture

Abstract

The authors have discovered various types of three-pattern accent systems exist in the coastal area of the northeast of Fukui Pref., although it was considered in previous studies that dialects in the area have only two accent patterns or they have no lexical distinction of accent. This paper will outline accent systems of the three dialects (Kuriya, Kitagata, Antoh) and describe the characteristics of each dialect regarding domain of accent assignment or accent rules found in the process of suffixation or compounding. Also comparisons between the dialects will reveal what characteristics are commonly shared and which ones are not.